Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Correct Cam Positioning

I just want to be sure I did this correctly. Unfortunately I did a poor job of paying attention when I removed them so here is how I reinstalled them.
1. I cranked the alternator until the sprocket said 'top' at the top.
2. I checked where the piston was
a. If it was top dead center i move to step 3
b. If it was not top dead center I go back to step 1
3. I installed the cams, being sure to load the sprocket tension and lining up the dots and lines. Also making sure to put the exhaust cam in the front and the intake in the back.

Does this sound correct? I really don't want to start up the bike with this in the wrong position.

Do you have a manual? There is a specific line and dot on the flywheel/casing to determine correct crank position, in lieu of finding TDC. If you follow the book you should be good to go.

I have the haynes manual and I cannot find any clear instructions on how to do this.

Are you saying besides the TDC part everything looks correct?

OK. I found where it explains it in the Haynes manual.

So to correct my previous post I do this:
1. I cranked the alternator rotor until the sprocket said 'top' at the top and on the rotor the L with the line are lined up on the right (front) of the case where it is split between cylinder and the main case.

2. I installed the cams, being sure to load the sprocket tension and lining up the dots and lines. Also making sure to put the exhaust cam in the front and the intake in the back.

Is this correct?

Sounds like you have it covered. Make sure you bar the engine over by hand to make sure everything is timed properly. Using the start will bend valves if the timing is out.

Don't forget to add the oil of your choice.

Get the cams n per Haynes then rotate...slowly...360. If it won't go you did it wrong. I made this FUBAR when I installed mine and it wound up getting me a ported, polished and oversized valve head.

make sure you read and follow the directions on installing the cam chain tensioner as well. there have been several people burned on that one as well.

All is well. I used the mobile one v-twin oil and she runs like a champ.

Quote:

---

make sure you read and follow the directions on installing the cam chain tensioner as well. there have been several people burned on that one as well.

---

I shouldn't have to touch the chain tensioner. I only removed the cams to reshim. Am I missing something here?

No,

If you would have removed the main driven sprocket between the cams, then the cam chain tensioning would be an issue. Micah is just addressing an issue that has been missed several times before. Some fellows don't always let us know if they have or haven't removed that sprocket. Better to be safe than sorry.