still trying to get 450l to start.

[koolaid_kid]

No. You will have to pull the cam chain tensioner to give you enough slack, then unbolt the cams, etc. You'll see when you get to that point. First you will need to find out how much to rotate them. Be sure and tighten the cam cap bolts in the correct order; your manual will tell you what order to tighten them.
At least you have lots of experience counting the number of pins, that part is crucial.

[Steve]

Thanks to both of you for advice. I bought this bike at a yardsale for a project, so I have no idea how long it's been since running. From what I can see chain and sprokets look fine, what could cause them to get out of time? Am I able to loosen chain and rotate cams where they need to be? I'll go try and take some photos, is it a big deal to post them? Sorry about all the questions.

If you get really stuck, just holler. I am just up the road from you and have been known to visit others to help them.

.

[koolaid_kid]

Good idea, Steve. Willis, do not hesitate to ask Steve for assistance. He knows a thing or two about GS motorcycles. Or so I hear.

[pete]

It's also possible your ignition rotor is on 180 degrees out of whack.

I know how to set that right on the 80 - 82 450's with mechanical advance, but I'm not sure on how to get that right on yours as it has electronic advance.

However, *after* sorting out your cam timing, if it's still a no go you can try flipping it 180 degrees.

[willis1345]

I was kind of wondering if rotor was out. The one thing that I can't get out of my head is the fact that when I have the "R" timing mark lined up the "R" piston is not at the top of it's stroke, I thought that was what TDC meant. I loosened bolt that holds rotor to see if I could turn it and it appears there is only one place it will go. Pete what did you mean by flipping it? Im not able to go out and work on it every night cause I work rotating 12 hr. shifts, so if I don't respond right away it's because I haven't had a chance to try what you all have suggested, which I appreciate all the help. This really is my first time using a forum and definitely not the last. Thanks you all!

[pete]

I get a bit confused with TDC etc. so will leave that to the experts, but what I meant was on the earlier 450's, it's possible to put the ignition rotor on two ways. One was is correct, one is 180 degrees out.

I haven't seen how the newer ones like yours mount, so if there is only one way to mount it, then it has to be right.

[Thumper88]

Have you actually tested the compression?
I assume it was running with pods and open exhaust for a while?

FWIW, my #1 was slightly below the gasket surface, not exactly level. In my case it was either above or below the gasket surface, no in between. Bike had lower compression when slightly above gasket surface, and higher compression below gasket surface.

Once your timing is correct, check valve clearances.

[Mekanix]

You have 3 lines.

1T 1F R1

You want to lign the (1T) with the notch So that the right piston is at top dead center.

Then you set the cams so that they are properly lined up


Look at the end of the cam's on the right side. Notice that there is a notch on each one. Those notches should be pointing directly towards eachother. when you have the right piston at top dead center and the timing mark on T1.




The 1983 and up don't have a rotor with an advance so there is no way to put it on backwards I believe.

The pre 1982 like mine and Pete's had a rotor with an advance mechanism. The rotor had a magnet on one side and was blank on the other side. You could take that rotor and put it on backwards so that the magnet was on the opposite side and fire the wrong cylinder. Of course it wouldn't start in that case.

[willis1345]

I'm off work today so with all the info I'm going to try and bring this thing to life. I've got plans for this bike but want to get it running before I dive into it. Thanks for all the honest advice. I am enjoying this forum thing and will in contact, hopefully some pics when I learn how to get them on here.

[willis1345]

no luck. got cams where they are supposed to be and rotor timing mark was (R) T on notch which is way manual said to do and when I tried to turn motor by hand the no. 1 piston hit on exhaust valve, so I put rotor at opposite position with (L) T mark on notch in case and no.1 piston hit on intake valve. When I put on mark neither piston is at TDC. I guess next time I try am going to go by actually when I see piston at TDC and go from there. Unless someone out there has anymore suggestions. I am stumped. Gotta go to work now so will check in this evening.

[Mekanix]

When the rotor was on T for the right side. Where did the notches on the end of tbe cam point to ?

If they are not pointing Paralel towards eatchother you might need 20 teeth between 2 & 3.

Some engines were like that. It all depended on the cams that were installed.

That would explain the intake valves hitting.

[willis1345]

Notches were pointing directly toward each other. That's even what manual shows. Going to post some pics soon. Am at work so have to wait til lunch.

[Jan]

When you get the timing of valves and ignition right, you should change the ignition capacitors. On mine GS400L they was soldered directly on to the ignition coils, and never renewed. The engine could start, but not run more than 4500 rev/min, before renewal of capacitors, after no problems.