Cam adjustment gasket leak.

[Charley]

Good Morning Folks,
this will not be my first question. I'm a complete novice on these bikes.
I have an oil leak from an otherwise oil tight 1980 3CL. It's the gasket for the timing/camshaft drive chain adjustment cover/boss.
My question is,

if I undo the two bolts holding this unit on, is there anything that could drop into the engine or fall away upsetting the adjustment of the cam chain that I need to be aware of?
Can I just pull the adjustment assembly out, change the gasket and re install it?

I'm hoping to just swap out the bad gasket for a good one and not have to remove cam covers etc.

All assistance appreciated.
Regards,
Charley.

 

[Rob]

Hi Charley
You can remove the cam chain tensioner as you describe. Assuming all is as it should be, nothing will come free to fall into the engine.
I'd suggest backing off the tensioner adjustment bolt first. If you leave the locknut in position you'll have an indication of where to wind the adjuster back to. But I'd strongly recommend checking cam chain tension by removing the cambox cover. It's quick and easy to do.
It's unusual to get a leak from the adjuster assembly . You may find that the fixing bolts have been overtightened and the mounting face(s) warped.

 

[Charley]

Hi Charley
You can remove the cam chain tensioner as you describe. Assuming all is as it should be, nothing will come free to fall into the engine.
I'd suggest backing off the tensioner adjustment bolt first. If you leave the locknut in position you'll have an indication of where to wind the adjuster back to. But I'd strongly recommend checking cam chain tension by removing the cambox cover. It's quick and easy to do.
It's unusual to get a leak from the adjuster assembly . You may find that the fixing bolts have been overtightened and the mounting face(s) warped.

Thank you Rob,
as a complete newbie to these engines and having to maintain my beast on the dock side,
not the best place,
the least I open the bike,
until I can get a clean workshop organised, the happier I am.

Again; Thank you.
I'll see what I can do.

Regards, C.