Hey Dan, you can't adjust the primary chain with the cover off. Check out the exploded view in the service manual, the adjustment screw and foot are in the primary cover. The factory procedure is good and can be followed without a problem but FWIW, I go old skool with the primary adjustment. I have been a professional technician my whole entire life, and this has worked for me 100's of times on all sorts of V-twins.
I feel it is more precise, because it addresses any tight link issues:eagerness:
With the engine idling at operating temp, Hold the adjuster, Loosen the locknut 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn, then loosen the adjuster (unscrew, while holding the previously loosened locknut from rotating), until it gets louder (rattly sounding), then tighten slowly (still holding the locknut still). As you tighten it, the chain should get quiet and then loud again, but more of a whirring noise this time. When it makes that louder 'whirring' noise it's too tight so back it off until it gets quiet again and go 1/2 turn more, then hold that adjuster and tighten the locknut to spec.
At no point should you have to put significant pressure on that adjuster, more than the locknut nylon friction.
The noise should be very obvious but in case you are unsure, mark the side of the adjuster bolt, so you can put it back where you found it.
The whole locknut procedure is to keep it close to the primary cover, but not interfere with the adjuster rotating. It's not terrible to just unscrew the lock nut a few turns out of the way, then adjust it, but remember to hold the adjuster while final tightening the lock nut.
Important to note:
It is much better to have a primary chain too LOOSE than even a little too tight.
I hope I described that clearly? Wouldn't want someone to go all mushroom cloud rant-y-pants:black_eyed: LOL
