How To Set Timing On A Motorcycle

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What is a camshaft on a motorcycle?

The camshaft is a rotating component in your motorbike'south engine.

The camshaft consists of a few cams or lobes attached to a metal shaft that is driven by a gear and chain, and rests on bearings.

The cam chain connects the camshaft to the crankshaft.

As the crankshaft turns, so does the camshaft.

The motorcycle's cam controls when the intake and exhaust valves open.

As the cam lobe rotates, it will open the intake and exhaust valves in conjunction with the piston's location in the cylinder and the step of the combustion bicycle.

When adjusting the camshaft, ignition, and valves y'all'll refer to the timing marks on your engine'southward spark advancer.

T = Timing Mark
F = Fire
|| = Advance

For anything ignition related, you'll typically refer to the F mark. For mechanical adjustments, you'll use the T mark.

When you're reassembling your engine, it's very of import that you reinstall and align your camshaft properly.

In the best case scenario, a misaligned cam will effect in a poorly running or non-running engine.

In the worst case scenario, a misaligned cam will outcome in aptitude valves and broken pistons.

How to Align Timing Marks on Cam and Crankshaft

Before you have autonomously your engine, be sure to read the store manual and have notes and pictures of how the camshaft is installed and aligned.

To do so, plow your engine to Superlative Dead Middle (TDC) for cylinder 1.

Check that the marks on the camshaft, cam chain sprocket, and cylinder caput are aligned properly and match what's in the shop manual.

If your motorbike engine has aftermarket parts or modifications, the timing marks and alignment may be different than what'southward in the store transmission. Take notes and brand your ain timing marks if necessary.

However, if the engine doesn't run right subsequently information technology has already been disassembled by a previous owner, it's possible that they installed the cam incorrectly.

Motorcycle Camshaft Timing & Alignment

The typical procedure for setting the cam timing is equally follows:

Set the engine to TDC.
Remove the cam chain tensioner.
Slide the camshaft through the cam chain.
Align the timing marks on the cam with the sprocket and cylinder head.
Tighten the camshaft holders.
Reset the cam chain tensioner.
Confirm the cam marks are properly aligned.

For double overhead cam engines, make sure to count the number of cam concatenation links betwixt each cam shaft sprocket. There is a specific number of links that should be between the two camshafts. Ensure both sprockets line upwards with the correct engine markings.

Refer to your motorbike shop manual for the specific cam alignment instructions.

Cam Chains

When rebuilding the engine and servicing the top end, it's a skillful thought to supersede the cam chain with a new one.

Cam chains will typically exist endless or come with a main link.

If you have an countless cam chain, you'll need to divide your cases to install information technology. Every bit y'all reassemble the engine, keep something tied around the cam chain and so you don't lose it down the cam chain shaft.

When yous are fix to slip it over the camshaft make sure that it is properly engaged in the gear teeth on the crankshaft beneath.

Setting the Cam Chain Aligning

The last step in installing and timing your cam is to ready the cam chain adjustment. Your motorcycle will either have a transmission or automatic cam chain adjuster that bolts onto the cylinder block.

Install the cam chain adjuster in its loosest position and commodities it onto the cylinder block. Set up the adjustment by loosening and retightening the bolt and lock nut. Refer to your shop manual for the specific procedure.

If your engine has a lot of noise, it could be due to a worn cam chain. You lot may be able to reset the cam concatenation adjuster to take the excess slack out, if not, yous should replace the cam chain equally before long as possible.