I have seen the photos of the cam chain (out of the engine) being measured in length to determine if it is still within tolerance. What if there was a method to measure the cam chain while it’s still in place? I was sitting there looking at my cam chain (with the tensioner removed) thinking “maybe the measurement of the chain’s slack could be used to determine how much life is left. You know, measure the distance that the guide has to pull it to keep it properly tensioned. Does this make any sense to anyone here? It seems to me that if you go to all the trouble to remove the chain then you might as well replace it.

Prior to the Verslavy, it mattered. Now, not so much. Just toss one in and the chain is not too long,till it starts rubbing the other side..

Till the chain rubs the chain on the other side is what I think he's trying to say.

Thanks all, my concern was whether the chain might already be stretched to beyond tolerance and how I might be able to determine that (while it's still in place). This bike came to me with 21,000 miles on it. The plunger? hadn't fallen out but was close to doing so. It didn't look damaged yet (as far as I can tell from the photos posted). Verslagen1 will notify me about the condition of mine (already sent to him). I was only curious.