drive chain and oil question

[snowey]

First, pardon my ignorance (this is my first bike ever 2002 GS).
I noticed that the metal plate by the drive chain adjuster nut was loose on the right side of the bike.  The plate was rattling (i think) so I tightened the adjuster nut and it looks like it solved the problem.  My question is: Did I modify the chain tension at all even though I didn't loosen the axle nut?

Also while I was down there I noticed that the tube coming from the bottom of the engine case (looks like it goes from the oil reservoir to the engine) has some oil (maybe grease) on the tube itself where it makes the turn to head up towards the engine.  The bike isn't leaking per se but my hands definitely got dirty touching the tube.  

Do I have anything to worry about on either count? Cheers.

[davipu]

no, your fine.  you didn't happen to buy yoru bike from a guy in mira mesa just off of black mountian did ja?

[red_phil]

oil resevoir?
umm...
you could mean the airbox?
It has a drain hose and a breather hose that sometimes gets oil on it.
Oil should go into the oil filler cap on the right side of the engine
and it lives in the sump at the bottom of the engine case.
I'd keep an eye on what your oil level is doing and if it's dropping you might need to look for leaks.



You won't have effected your chain slack unless you really cranked on the adjusted nut. You may wish to measure how much thread is sticking out
beyond each of the adjuster nuts.
If it is the same on both sides then your wheel should be aligned.
If not then check the wheel alignment.
Not all GS500s have the same length of adjusted screw on both sides, but mine does and so have others I've checked.

[scratch]

The chain adjuster came loose because the axle nut isn't tight enough. You will need to re-tighten the axle or your chain adjuster will come loose again. Check your chain slack to verify that it is within proper specs. .8-1.2 inches of slack right behind the centerstand arm, while the bike is on the sidestand. Check in three different places. Adjust the tightest spot on the chain to within spec.

[snowey]

The little notches on both sides of the bike still line up perfectly with the axle nut so i cant imagine it slipped that much.  Though I will check in the morning.

I will keep an eye on the oil level.

I actually bought the bike from a dealer in irvine.