At one point, I had the head and block off my bike due to an embarrasing mistake on my part. Now as I put it back together, I seem to be having a problem with the forward cam chain guide blade. It seems to be in the wrong location. It is too far aft and sticks up too far to get the valve cover back one. If I turn it 90 degrees in either direction, I can remove it. Can it be reinstalled correctly without removing the head and block again? If not, what is the worst that could happen running without it it? Thanks in advance.
Are you are referring to #2 in this schematic?:
http://www.ronayers.com/fiche/300_0027/cam_chain/cam_chain.cfm
It has to be installed after the head is on. With the exhaust cam out...make sure the cam chain is pulled up and tight so there are no kinks in the chain. Push the guide down and then bend it forward enough to snap it in the front part of the head. It will sit flush with the top of the head. Without it expect valve train failure.
Yep, #2 is it. I sort of thought bad, expensive things would happen without it installed. Thanks for the info.