How do I tell if the cam chain needs replacing?

[reved.bonnell]

I am replacing the piston rings on my 78 GS1000. I have the head off and am working on getting the cylinder block off...the rear chain guide is jammed in the centre and seems to be preventing the block from coming off.

Assuming I can get the block off without damaging it, how do I know if the chain needs to be replaced? I have the tensioner off, how do I know if it is near it's limit? The rod/post seems to be sticking out quite a bit.

Ed

[Nessism]

Measure the chain for elongation using the spec in the factory service manual.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[tkent02]

I am replacing the piston rings on my 78 GS1000. I have the head off and am working on getting the cylinder block off...the rear chain guide is jammed in the centre and seems to be preventing the block from coming off.

Assuming I can get the block off without damaging it, how do I know if the chain needs to be replaced? I have the tensioner off, how do I know if it is near it's limit? The rod/post seems to be sticking out quite a bit.

Ed

Usually it's rust and dirt around the center cylinder studs that keeps it all stuck in place. Guess where all of that crap will go when the cylinder does move?