Screwing in tensioner on valve check

[Snave1000]

Hi all, I’ve just been reading Honda manual on checking valve clearances. It mentions “ Turn the tensioner lifter shaft fully in (clockwise) and secure it using the special tool to prevent dam- aging the cam chain.”. Why would it damage cam chain by just inspecting clearances? Am I missing something here? Anyone else not done this while inspecting clearances?
Many thanks
Lyndon

[FLIZ]

 You do not need to disturb the cam chain tensioner if you are only checking the valve clearances.

 

[Snave1000]

I agree but can’t understand why it’s mentioned in the Honda manual

[Art]

Having just completed a valve clearance check and adjustment I left the tensioner as was for the clearance check and removed it prior to removing the camshafts for the fitting of the replacement shims. Fred gives an excellent tutorial on the subject of valve clearance inspection here and valve clearance adjustment here which includes how to remove the cam chain tensioner without need of the special Honda tool, other useful procedures can be found on his front page here

BTW the cam chain tensioner is mentioned in the Honda workshop manual as part of the valve clearance inspection because Honda see it as best practice, the Haynes manual only mentions the cam chain tensioner during the valve adjustment procedure and includes instruction on how to remove it with the special Honda tool.

[Snave1000]

Thanks Art   

[Art]

Originally Posted by Art

.... the Haynes manual only mentions the cam chain tensioner during the valve adjustment procedure and includes instruction on how to remove it with the special Honda tool.

edit: that should read ...the Haynes manual only mentions the cam chain tensioner during the valve adjustment procedure and includes instruction on how to remove it without the special Honda tool.