Working on replacing my head gasket and im at the stage where i need to remove the camshaft. I am following the Clymer Suzuki GS500 Twins 1989-2000 service manual and on  page 108 #9 it reads: Disengage the camshaft drive chain from the camshaft sprockets and remove both camshafts form the cylinder head one at a time. My question is how exactly do I do that? Does the chain come apart or does it simply lift up off of the sprockets? I can't really lift up on the chain because of the tension on it. Is there something that I am missing here? Thanks

You will have to remove the camchain tensioner.  Then you should have enough slack to lift the chain clear of one of the cams, and pull out the camshaft.

Quote from: scratch on January 26, 2006, 12:50:10 PM
You will have to remove the camchain tensioner.  Then you should have enough slack to lift the chain clear of one of the cams, and pull out the camshaft.

that was completed in a previous step...

pull the tensioner out, unbolt the cam caps (DONT MIX THEM UP) lift up on chain enough to clear the gears and slide the cams out.

Quote from: twowheeldreams on January 26, 2006, 02:59:47 PM

Quote from: scratch on January 26, 2006, 12:50:10 PM
You will have to remove the camchain tensioner.  Then you should have enough slack to lift the chain clear of one of the cams, and pull out the camshaft.

that was completed in a previous step...

Sorry, didn't have the manual in front of me.

Quote from: scratch on January 26, 2006, 03:30:21 PM

Quote from: twowheeldreams on January 26, 2006, 02:59:47 PM

Quote from: scratch on January 26, 2006, 12:50:10 PM
You will have to remove the camchain tensioner.  Then you should have enough slack to lift the chain clear of one of the cams, and pull out the camshaft.

that was completed in a previous step...

Sorry, didn't have the manual in front of me.

yeah, no worries. its out, i just dont understand why it is still tight

Quote from: twowheeldreams on January 26, 2006, 04:35:41 PM
...... i just dont understand why it is still tight

The valve springs are pushing against the cam lobes. The position recommended to set the motor to remove the cams is not very good. It leaves the left exhaust cam pushing against the valve. If the motor is rotated backwards a little then this lets the cams off of all the valves. Just make sure you double check the timing according to the manual.