Timing/cam ?

[oldschoolgs1100e]

Hi all. 1100e. while "setting" the cam chain per the manual it seems to me once the journals are tightened down it will create slack at the front of the chain (ex 1st per man.) has anyone come across this? maybe set it back 1 link on the chain? do you guys Loctite the journals.

[hikermikem]

Would be good to know a bit more about your particular bike (year, model, mods, etc...)

Positioning the cam chain one tooth off will result in the bike not reving to red line.

The cam chain tensioner must be removed before installing the cams. If you have to rotate the engine with the tensioner removed, hold the cam chain up with your hand to keep it from getting jammed under the crank while you slowly rotate the engine to the proper position (remove the plugs to make this easier)

Make absolutely sure the "1/4 T" mark is lined up exactly on the timing plate behind the ignition cover. Position the cams just as the manual states for your model.

Count the cam chain pins SEVERAL times to be certain you got it right.

Once the cam journals have been tightened down, you will notice slack in the cam chain - this will go away when the tensioner is properly put back.

The torque on the journal bolts is low, (7 ft/lbs ?) check the manual & no need to overtighten them. I don't use locktite on them.

AND, of course, we like pics

[Steve]

One other very important thing to remember when counting pins:

The pin directly over the #2 mark on the exhaust cam is not #0 (zero), it's #1.

I refuse to admit how many times I mis-counted until I realized my mistake.

.

[koolaid_kid]

What, the great Steve make a mistake?
I hate counting pins. I can't remember how many times I had to start over because I got mixed up (not that it is that difficult for me to get mixed up ).

[hikermikem]

One other very important thing to remember when counting pins:

The pin directly over the #2 mark on the exhaust cam is not #0 (zero), it's #1.

I refuse to admit how many times I mis-counted until I realized my mistake.

.

I think we all have mis-counted a time or two (or four or five)...

[earlfor]

Hi all. 1100e. while "setting" the cam chain per the manual it seems to me once the journals are tightened down it will create slack at the front of the chain (ex 1st per man.) has anyone come across this? maybe set it back 1 link on the chain? do you guys Loctite the journals.

Install the exhaust cam first with the cam chain tight between the exhaust cam and the crankshaft sprocket. Then, ""roll" the intake cam into place so that the cam chain is tight between the intake and exhaust cam. That leaves all the cam chain slack on the back side of the engine so that when you install the tensioner, it will tension properly.

[Steve]

What, the great Steve make a mistake?

I don't know about the "great" Steve, but this Steve has made a few.

Evidently I just made another by admitting the first one.

.

[oldschoolgs1100e]

Thanks guy's! I've not been back since last post. I finally got it all back together just now! new/used crank, tranny. hone& rings. I turned it over & ran through the gears w/a socket, It sounds and feels awesome! clicks into gear w/ authority I'am very happy! Minus 2... every valve was way tight, could not get .004 in at all which is min. Now I just need to have my buddy help me put it into the frame, wow these engines are a serious chunk of metal.

[earlfor]

Thanks guy's! I've not been back since last post. I finally got it all back together just now! new/used crank, tranny. hone& rings. I turned it over & ran through the gears w/a socket, It sounds and feels awesome! clicks into gear w/ authority I'am very happy! Minus 2... every valve was way tight, could not get .004 in at all which is min. Now I just need to have my buddy help me put it into the frame, wow these engines are a serious chunk of metal.

Yeah, about 210 lbs without the carb rack. It ain't exactly a slip it in with one hand while you steady the bike with the other deal. heheh