Cam chain adjustment using the starter to rotate the engine?

[hondaman160mph]

Can the cam chains be adjusted using the starter to rotate the engine? This is an '82 with 14,000 miles.
I know the preferred method is to remove the valve cover and adjust them manually, trying to avoid removing the valve cover if possible.

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

You don't have to remove the valve cover.
A couple quick tips here.
viewtopic.php?f=25&t=6292

[hondaman160mph]

Thanks Steve,that helps. I searched for cam chain adjustment but didn't find that post. I have the bike in my basement for the winter.
This procedure will be much better then trying to do it with a hot running motor.

[EMS]

The reason Honda "recommends" to do it with a running motor, is to make sure, there is no slack in the pulling strand of either chain. If you make yourself familiar with how these adjusters work, you will understand what is happening. There are small increments during the rotation, when the inlet cam rotates due to pressure on the cam lobe from the valves. When you rotate the engine by hand, you have to pay attention to the fact that all the slack is in the return strand at the time when you loosen the adjuster bolt and let the spring do its job. The best way to control this is with the valve cover off.

[asacuta]

The other problem is that the spring may not do its job at all. When I adjust the long chain on mine, I have to manually press down on the tensioner or nothing happens. That can only be done with the cover off. With only 14,000 miles, you can adjust it with the cover on, and if the adjustment doesn't work, about the only problem should be a slightly noisy chain. Next time you have the cover off to adjust valves, adjust the tensioners manually: if nothing else to verify the springs are working.

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Well said, Al.
That was my thinking in providing that link in that a 14,000 mile shouldn't need the full-on adjustment.

[hondaman160mph]

Thanks for the info guys. I have the bike in the basement for the winter so I will try this method and see how it sounds at startup next spring.