82 gs1100 gl cam timing, 8 valve engine

[eddiev]

Hi and thanks for all the previous help. I've been getting close to completion on my reassembly and double checked the cam timing before buttoning up the cover. I realized that with the crankshaft on the correct timing mark. (corresponding to TDC on cylinder 4), the cams can be in one of two positions. The manuals are not clear on these two possibilities. The differences I see is that the lobes for cylinder 4 are either facing each other or opposing each other. Right now I have it set with the lobes opposing each other but I can't see any way to be certain that this is correct. Has any one gone down this road before?

Also are there any tricks to keeping the sprocket marks intact while tighting the journals down. It took me several tries to keep it in place. I kept jumping a tooth and now I realized that even the #1 mark which should be even with the head surface is a half link off.

Thanks and happy riding.....
Eddie V

[chef1366]

Pull the cam chain over the exhaust cam sprocklet and tighten the exhaust cam caps only. Count the links and put the chain on the intake cam sprocket and before putting on the cam caps install your cam chain tensioner. Before putting on the intake cam caps double check TDC and the cam sprocket marks on the exhaust cam. Now put on the intake cam caps. Turn the crank a few times to recheck timing.

[eddiev]

Thanks for that info chef. I'll give that a try.
Would you have any insight as to my first question? The timing marks for cyl 1,4 TDC come around twice for each cam revolution. I've determined that I'm timing it on the beginning of the power stroke as opposed to the beginning of the intake stroke. The manuals (clymer and suzuki) make no mention of these two possibilities.
Thanks again.
Eddie V

[rphillips]

Both cams have a square notch ground into the right end of them. Appx. 1/8" X 1/8" X 1/8". These notches should be facing each other & flush with the gasket surface. On the ex. cam, this notch will be opposite of the arrow that is flush with the front gasket surface & 90 degrees to the left of the arrow that is straight up. On the in. cam, the notch will be 90 degrees to the right of the only arrow it has.

[chef1366]

Make sure the crank trigger is pointing towards the 1-4 side of the ignition.

[eddiev]

Thanks guys,
I'm pretty sure those notches are positioned facing each other. I'll be back out working on it tonight. Even though I still have to change it because I'm off by one tooth on the # 1 mark. Something moved once I tightened down the cams. Chef, I'm not sure what you mean by the "crank trigger". I have the 1 4 timing marks lined up to the proper mark and I have checked that this corresponds to TDC of cylinders 1 and 4.
Thanks again.
Eddie V

[salty_monk]

I presume he means some kind of ignition trigger??

Dan

[chef1366]

The crank trigger is on the end of the crank on the ignition side. It faces either towards the 1&4 pickup or the 3&4 pickup.