'85 VF500F Camshaft Installation

This is the first time I've had my '85 VF500F engine apart, and now I'm having trouble installing the camshafts and sprockets. I am using the factory service manual. I am able to get the one cam and sprocket in, but then I don't have nearly enough slack to wedge the second one in. What am I missing here?

 

Do you have the tensioner in the "locked" position?

 

I suspected that was the case, but I couldn't quite figure out how to relax them. I was reading through the FSM, but I just read through the Clymer steps and realized I didn't have the stiff piece of wire holding the tensioner in the relaxed position. I'll give that a try.

 

Just aboot anything can be used if it is aboot the correct size, the stiffer the better though.

 

I have the tensioner in the relaxed position with a pin (allen wrench) through the holes on one side. It doesn't seem to have gained me any slack at all. The image shows how far away it is from dropping in.

 

Have not dealt with a 500 in a long time but on the V45's I will take them oot for inspection (often times they are damaged and need to be replaced) and that is when I will set them to slack and place the locking pin. Possibly they are not in a slack position? May want to insure the chain is not bunched up under the crank if they are totally slack.

 

I took the cams out and loosened the tensioner again, and I put a new piece of wire all the way through the holes. This allowed me to get the rear cams in. The front seems a little tighter. Still working on getting timing correct.

 

Another question regarding timing: the factory service manual shows the index mark before the "T" but the Clymer manual shows it after the "TR" (or "T1") next to the "F." Obviously one or the other is going to move your sprocket a tooth or two, so which is correct? I currently have it together following the FSM (before the "TR").
I saw this post: http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/31004-Timing-Marks but I didn't see a definitive answer.

 

Top cam journal second from left looks butchered ??

 

The picture is deceiving. It's a glob of assembly lube.

 

I have never been fond of most factory timing marks as they tend to be a little vague. I always recommend making marks of your own and taking notes if the marks are off in one direction or another when on TDC. I know it is not helpful now but this is the reason why it is good to go over timing marks before you pop the cams oot.