How do I time the cams?

[Nessism]

Did you check the compression with the engine hot and throttle held wide open?

Did you adjust the valves to assure they are seating fully?

How many miles are on the bike? GS's are super durable and most compression loss problems can be traced to big miles (100,000+) or abuse (no valve adjustments).

How long as the bike been sitting inactive? The compression will increase after some good solid miles if it's sat for a while.

Good luck

[GSNewbie]

I'm going to just answer these in line...
[QUOTE=Nessism;1599925]Did you check the compression with the engine hot and throttle held wide open? Um, no it was cold. I will start over with another gauge too.

Did you adjust the valves to assure they are seating fully? No. Not for about 1k miles.

How many miles are on the bike? GS's are super durable and most compression loss problems can be traced to big miles (100,000+) or abuse (no valve adjustments).
About 34k according to the speedo, but I got it up and riding last year after 8 years of being in boxes. No abuse IMO but the second gear popping out into 3rd has to be from abuse. I assume the teeth are worn or there is slop somehow.

How long as the bike been sitting inactive? The compression will increase after some good solid miles if it's sat for a while.

It was ridden 1300 miles least year +/- (and never ran through the revs past 5800 except if not under load. Thats the thing, it starts good as long as it is primed. Never had much problem starting if I didn't flood it. Blubbers a bit on choke with some smoke; clears up decent off choke.

I have as much fun riding on these old ones than the '02 SV. I just know better than to bring a sword to pistol duel.

[GSNewbie]

Thanks guys. I've rolled this over to the other thread as it's not the cam timing anymore.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?p=1602314#post1602314