Possible Timing Issues??

[Guest]

I'm sorry for so many questions, this is my first bike and I am trying to learn lol.

But last night when I was installing my cams and I followed all the steps to set my timing

-Before putting cams in I made sure the timing marks were set, Lining the |T with the 1-4 side
-Installed the EX cam first, lined the 1 arrow parallel with the casing, clamped down with a vise grip
-From the 2 arrow counted over 20 notches an lined the IN cam 3 arrow with it and installed, clamped down vise grip
-Installed chain guide between the two cams
-While doing all of this I continued to check the timing mark, still good
-Installed the cam holders, torqued to spec
-Installed chain tensioner

Now my question is, and sorry if its a noob question but this is my first time doing any of this... But when I started turning the nut in the timing to crank the pistons and did one whole rotation and line my |T 1-4 back up at TDC... I didn't see the numbers on the cams? Did something get out of wack and is my timing off?

Thanks for the help

[Steve]

What you did was correct (probably), but we don't have a clue what bike you are talking about to be sure.

Assuming a count of 20 is correct for your bike (whatever it is), all is well. I'll bet you anything that if you turn the crank one more revolution, those marks on the cam will be there.

The cams only turn half as fast as the crank, so it takes two turn of the crank.

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[SB3]

What you did was correct (probably), but we don't have a clue what bike you are talking about to be sure.

Assuming a count of 20 is correct for your bike (whatever it is), all is well. I'll bet you anything that if you turn the crank one more revolution, those marks on the cam will be there.

The cams only turn half as fast as the crank, so it takes two turn of the crank.

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Sorry Steve, I thought I mentioned that. It is a 78 GS550. Thanks for the help!

[Steve]

Put that in a signature, so you don't have to remember to mention it ever time.

Does not have to be elaborate, just say something like "Current project: '78 GS550"

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[SB3]

Put that in a signature, so you don't have to remember to mention it ever time.

Does not have to be elaborate, just say something like "Current project: '78 GS550"

.

Sounds good, thanks for the advice. I emailed you about the shim spreadsheet, did you get it?

[Rob S.]

I'm sorry for so many questions, this is my first bike...

I'm not mechanically knowledgeable, and can't help you there, but I know I speak for the entire membership when I say no need to apologize. Your questions are why this site is here. It being your first bike makes it even better.

Welcome to this site, and welcome to the two-wheeled brotherhood.

[SB3]

I'm not mechanically knowledgeable, and can't help you there, but I know I speak for the entire membership when I say no need to apologize. Your questions are why this site is here. It being your first bike makes it even better.

Welcome to this site, and welcome to the two-wheeled brotherhood.

I really appreciate the kind words Rob! Thank you!

[Wingsconsin]

Steve will be the first to help anyone that posts a good question-
Supplying all the information needed to get a good answer is paramount.
Do not think everyone (anyone) knows what your bike is, how it's been acting, or what the trouble might be -
Fill in the blanks ; lots of details - pictures can help too .

Want a better answer ? Ask a better question. -
I learned that a long time ago from a sales manager - the idea still rings true.

Helping new riders learn is one of the strong suits of this forum

[Steve]

Sounds good, thanks for the advice. I emailed you about the shim spreadsheet, did you get it?

I just got home a few minutes ago and loaded my email. Yes, it's here.

Unlike most others, I do not use my belt-worn computer (it's disguised as a "cell phone") for e-mail. That is something I do when I have a full-size keyboard in front of me so I can TYPE, not poke at those little pictures of keys with my fat fingers.

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