Timing a GS1100GK

[dgeorge]

I have a service manual but I'm not real clear on which position is correct. Can any one tell from the photos which is the correct position for the exhaust cam?[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwCJAnwVdg5P*eFDVh2jjvlxbDK3yMwUe1wPSIaLXIrd4GTuR pU1sChRPDOUPqe4SuuJt15QmNiGHbtXYco6D4eiKOO5TTrE76* mP!aodYSxkZQ8qguuEA/IM000340a.JPG?dc=4675474385755322984[/img] or is this one correct?[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwANA34V!g5P*eFDVh2jjm3vx3czr!YX17pN49dKPjLzGLexe 3UIHlA90i9YoszGUyy0KdwdFolplMa5nXL6KBYj1EDS8sMrUdJ Tbg0Yo1KgDg7kMosdVw/IM000342a.JPG?dc=4675474385758059037[/img] Here is how the manuel describes how it should be. [img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQDhAncWnEz8VwHY9LjpvlFCFGH0udWnC3ucJwfrTchYybDNc h*Qcns2SXWGCvLNUgTyPzPhTkk6n4vqJDdEb1PQVvAyc4XKZBp FRSAgOCeBc*sUtx4W8g/timing1.jpg?dc=4675474385760572388[/img] Any help would be greatly appriciated, I've timed a lot of cars, but this is the first time for a motorcycle. So I need to get it right. If you saw my post from yesterday I think that this is what the problem is. Thanks in advance for any help.

[Anonymous]

It's one of those things where I want to put my head down and get lined up to look at it, but If I had to pick a picture I would definitely go with the lower photo in your post.

If you could take a pic with the camera sighted right along the mating surface after you think it is in time, I'd enjoy another look!

[dgeorge]

OK here they are sighted down the camshaft the first one is the same position as the second photo in my first post and the second one is the same as the first one in it. (hope that makes sense). They are a bit blury but you can still make them out I think.
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwDbAj4W50QBXfcoMloOlxFQrdRmjdFEq5**4YoIHgN4mYesN EwczlwVILWB6BlWOVytvDkiXVGPe69F4qWKL0uMgQ0w7Fozl6D 9SS2H1SoqZZydznaUdw/level%20A.JPG?dc=4675474397008832448[/img]
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SwD3AiAWSTymrmm!VIK3!XXDl4EQJ3TEfW7MAsDYgOksZOCd3 vPWuWzxBNRpAOWMV8A4vzR6vo8waibNW9v*zmDZ!0qTnmkaltl i2Ao70GyQWahksLFurg/Level%20C.JPG?dc=4675474397010645878[/img]

[earlfor]

The pictures in my 1100 service book shows the arrows flush with the gasket surface of the cylinder head.

Earl

[dgeorge]

Thank you earl, that was the problem then. I had timed it the with the arrow parallel to the gasket surface like in the second picture of my first post or the first in my second. I had also made the mistake that Leon had pointed out of not releasing the cam chain tensioner completly. So it started and ran for a short while with it being one tooth off, then when it jumped the second tooth it would not start at all. I will put it all back together tomorrow and post how it does.

[rosco15]

You need to check it with the cam caps in place. In your pic it looks like the cam is sitting up a bit on the left side. Once you bolt the cam down the ex. cam will turn counter clockwise a bit. Once you have the timing set turn the motor around by hand and make sure everything returns to the same place.

[dgeorge]

Ryan, your right it is sitting up a little, but I was moving it back and forth to take the pics and didn't want to spend a bunch of time bolting it down each time. I fully intend to take your advice and greatly appriciate the input.

[Anonymous]

Hey George,

It sounds like Earl and Ryan got you sorted out.

The new pics are better and the bottom one-where the point of the arrow is flush with the top of the head is what you want. On some sprockets the arrow will be parallel and some it won't, but the important thing is for the tip of the arrow to be right on the top of the head. Hope that helps.

I always make sure to get the slack out of the chain and then run the engine through once or twice by hand in the normal direction of rotation and recheck the alignment.

Good to see you're about to get it!

[dgeorge]

Hatch, thanks for your advice, I've been working on cars since I was about 11, but have always taken my bikes to a mechanic until now. Since I found this site I figured I could get the help I need when I get stuck like this, and it hasn't failed me yet. Always someone willing to help another GS'er. Thanks to all of the good people here.