TOPIC:

I totally understand what you are saying Kawboy. And it's great news to hear from you things are fine!
My initial reaction was - this needs to move one tooth. But it would move the mark, using it as reference in all my speculation, a bit below the level and just like you said, change advance beyond what new chains would give. That wouldn't be desirable. I haven't measured the chains, they 'feel' and look fine, but obviously there is some combined slack that developed over time of operation of the bike. I am not at the point of buying all new chains, and will leave it to the CCT to take care of the slack.

That adjustable sprocket project sounds very good, as in my case here the sweet spot seems not possible to achieve by moving things around without something like that. It would always be somewhere in between. Unless starting with changing at least one chain at a time, starting with the primary I would think. I want experiment at this point with gauges and wheels, I am happy to be within good operating conditions and from what I am hearing, it will work fine. One day, when I have my own garage, that would be a great project to fine tune this engine as a bigger hobby. Lots of modification can be done, and it's a perfect engine, and a bike, to use it for such fun activities. But, I am now in a business of putting it back to life in the best possible condition I can with what I have. But I can't hide that I like digging deeper into academics and innovations! Sigh..

The inf about CRF450 compatibility is great! I don't know if I ever use it (I'd have to first have a lathe etc.), but it's good to know. In any case, if I live to see this moment, I will with whom to converse

Thank you Kawboy for your input, it gave me a peace of mind. I am very happy to be reach this big milestone.

I forgot to add, that had I know how deep I will go rebuilding this bike and how much will it cost, I would had added extra tasks from the beginning. One would be measuring and possibly getting a new primary chain to start with. The work flow would had been totally different. There were also unforeseen new circumstances which got in a way during this process, changing things around again. Now I am just glad and happy things are move along with success.

I am going to check out the link you gave me.

My cams "register" like yours do Stan. Always have. My Cam-chain length measurement is well within spec. Several times over the years I've tried to get the "Dots" to register "perfectly" by playing with the cam(s). Couldn't do it. What I had was as close as I could get so I returned the cam(s) to the original position and no longer concern myself with this.
Expect to read that you've got it running when, or soon after I get back. NO PRESSURE !

Scotch, dropping me a line when you are literally almost boarding a plane means a lot to me.
And of course I am happy to hear yet one confirmation that I didn't fuck up anything!
I still need to order those boots from Helmut. Sent him an email but no reply... Will need to try again. I can't find any other source of those and there were two in good shape, from what it seemed, but due to miscommunication someone else snatched them away from me!!! I would still need one more anyway..
The biggest hurdle will be the electrical system. I will be hitting the forum often in regards to it. Now it looks like a bird's nest lying by the sofa. I am going through my old photos trying to figure out what goes where, and if I should start putting the electricity on the bike now, soon after putting the cover on the left side of the engine. I will keep the right still open just in case I need to rotate it, or just to rotate it once in a while adding some oil.
Or - should I look at all the suspension (change oil and some seals), and put the bike on the center stand. I am ordering the tires I think today. I narrowed them to 110/90-18 + 140/80-17 Avon AM26 Roadrider. That's my final decision. Need to get them while they are still on a discount!

Which non permanent, or whatever you use, do you apply to the surface of the manifold rubber carburetor holders?

StanG wrote: Which non permanent, or whatever you use, do you apply to the surface of the manifold rubber carburetor holders?

My preference is a very light wipe with silicone grease on the inside of the intake manifold between the carb and manifold and especially between the clamp and the intake manifold so that when you tighten up the clamp, it doesn;t grab the manifold and cause a punch in the rubber which could let air through. Silcone grease is used in high vacuum situations when trying to seal vacuum jars in the manufacturing industry and some silicone grease are specifically labeled as high vacuum grease. Silicone grease will not alter the composition of the rubber. Just note that it's silicone and slipperier that goose shit so if you use it on the inside of the boot (and I would) you have to support the carbs on the outboard end (like don't be driving around without the airbox on)