has anyone ever replaced a timing chain? i have a xj700 w/ a stretched chain, tried manually adjusting chain tensioner and still goes loose, noise is coming from the chain slapping on the top of the valve cover (I can see the marks/wear where its hitting). just wondering if i can snake the new chain in when i remove the old one and not have to dissassemble the whole motor. Also, does anyone know if its true that the intake boots are not available for the xj700 anymore? if this is the case then maybe its not worth putting anymore money into my bike if i will eventually not be able to seal my intake when cracks start appearing.
thanks for the help

Since it is a 'single link' chain, it is possible. Using a chain breaker tool, you would pop a pin out of the original chain, then use a twist tie or ziptie to connect the new chain to the old chain, then simply pull the new chain into position and join the new chain back together. However, I'm not sure if the link pins on a timing chain are 'locked in' by some means (like an expanded head). If they are, then 'breaking' the chain would compromise the strength of that link, and you run the risk of failure. Of course, if there is no such 'locking' mechanism, then as long as you set the pin correctly you should have no problems. If someone knows for sure what the situation is with the chain. please chime in.

Thanks Taz. In the parts catalogs they list the price for chain and also the price for the single link to join the ends, so theoretically i should be able to get a crimping tool and mushroom the end enough to join it. Are the front and rear guides able to be replaced w/o removing the head? I really dont want to dissasemble my motor, stays nice an clean, runs good, and no leaks, I would like to keep it that way.
Aloha