Changing the timing 180 degrees?

[akreider]

I am pretty sure that when I reinstalled my cams I put them in 180 degrees past top dead center. I was wondering if instead of pulling and reinstalling them, is there a way I can just adjust the timing by 180 degrees?
Or is that just wishfull thinking?

Adam

[chef1366]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but could you switch the spark plug wires? On chevy 350s if I but the cam timing gear off 180 degrees I would just pull the distributer gear and move it 180 degrees. Which is the same as moving all the wires.
Edit; maybe just switch the coil wires instead of the plug wires.

[duaneage]

It would not matter on a 2 cylinder bike but I think it will on a 4. Swap the 2,4 coil wires with the 1,3 set and see if it starts.

[spchips]

isn't there 2 timings, the cam timing and the ignition timing?

I have made this mistake before. If you have it screwed up, you can turn it over with a wrench very easily and hear bleeding out everywhere (because it's not closed!!)

Once I figured out what was going on and fixed it, the engine would compress properly and hit hard spots (without any air blowing out) as it was turned around.

Without compression it probably won't start. I wouldn't worry about ruining your valve cover seal as it should come right off and go back on since it's only been a few days/weeks.

you could adjust your ignition timing by 180 deg by switching your plug pairs, but this won't do anything without the other half.

[xDUKEx]

take off the rotor button in the ignition and turn it 180. dont know if this will work but when i did it to my bike it threw the timing way off. it will turn 180 degrees and still clip back into the holders !!!

[cberkeley]

IMHO ....Fix the thing properly once and for all and sleep well!
Something like that would certainly keep me awake at night.

[BadBillyB]

I am pretty sure that when I reinstalled my cams I put them in 180 degrees past top dead center. I was wondering if instead of pulling and reinstalling them, is there a way I can just adjust the timing by 180 degrees?
Or is that just wishfull thinking?

Adam

The only way you could have put them in 180 degrees out is if 2 and 3 were at TDC when you installed the cams. Do not crank the motor unless you are sure you put the cams in properly. Cam timing has nothing to do with the ignition timing. If the cams are not in exactly right you will have to take them out and re-install them correctly. What method did you use when you installed them?? You are going by the manual, right???........BadBillyB

[hwb120240]

IMHO ....Fix the thing properly once and for all and sleep well!
Something like that would certainly keep me awake at night.

Absolutely! I know the aggravation factor can run high when you think you've finished, but I'd go nuts wondering if it would hold up.

[cberkeley]

Absolutely! I know the aggravation factor can run high when you think you've finished, but I'd go nuts wondering if it would hold up.

My bike's in the shop now for just that sort of thing (rings, valve-seals, etc.) They pulled the head and jugs today. I'm going over there in the morning to have a look-see.
Walking out into my car-port and not seeing my bike is driving me bananas!
Should get her back by Friday (I hope).

[Nessism]

I don't think you can time it 180 degrees out without bending the crap out of all the valves, no?

[RacingJake]

Check them again, get #1&4 on TDC and see where the cam notches are. They should point in toward each other, then turn the crankshaft over one complete turn back to TDC and they should point away from each other. Just don't force it if you hit or feel some binding. Remember on four strokes the cams turn at half the speed of the crankshaft. Two complete turns on the crankshaft equals one turn on the camshaft. As long as the cam notches are facing each other or away from each other at TDC per the book you'll be OK.

[nert]

Its very late, or real early. Whats the big deal? IF you think you did it wrong, pop the cover and do it right. Not like ya gotta split cases or anything. Ohhhh, i get it. This is one of the trick questions designed to make ya think.

[akreider]

I went ahead and spend the extra time to fix the cams. My mind wouldnt be able to rest easy if I didnt do it properly. Thanks for the help

Adam