1980 honda XR250, timing chain question

[illumastorm]

just picked this up last week and it is making a lot of tapping/slapping noise from the top of the engine and i have checked the vlaves and they are adjusted right so i am sure it is the timing chain, i took off the vlalve cover and i can move the chain up a little from the cam sprocket. my question is, is the timing chain suppose to be able to do that or is it suppose to be snugg or tight against the sprocket? also the tensioner seems to not be pushing against it and i am not sure how that gets adjusted either. anyone know of a place that sells chains at a low price?
will try to get pics up on this old bike soon.
thanks

[lndy650]

does this have an automatic tensioner for the chain?if it does it might be locked back. i wouldnt ride it till you figure it out if the chain slips youll have a bent valve...

[illumastorm]

i don't know much about the tensioners on these so i don't know if it is self adjusting or not, can you tell me what to look for?

[lndy650]

i know the 84 has a automatic tensioner im pretty sure its the same engine as the 1980. so unless its broke your cam chain is most likely stretched. its hard for me to say because i cant tell how loose it is but it should be tight on the sprocket. try thumpertalk.com theres a lot of good info and smart people on there.

[illumastorm]

thanks , i'll check it out.