81 GS1100E timing mark question.

[alhntr]

OK setting up cam timing chain etc. The Clymer manual states line up the T for 1-4 , OK there is no T, There is 1-4 then a vertical slash, I guess I use that ? then in manual 2 steps later on it says line up the T and the picture shows the T not the 1-4 slash...confusing. I set it up with the T but it is apparent I will have to re do this on the 1-4 slash ?

[Nessism]

By the 1-4 there will be three slashes: the left most mark should have a T by it, that's the mark you want. To the right of that is an F (fire), and further right is the last mark, which is the fire when the advance is fully open.

When setting the exhaust cam sprocket 1-- mark, make sure it's pointing at the gasket surface, or every so slightly above. As the cam chain elongates, the hash mark will move up. The hash mark should never point down, though. That indicates mistimed cams.

[alhntr]

Ok so yesterday I set cams on the left mark T, so I rotated crank 360 back to T no 4 piston is up but cams are way off, I rotate thru again back to T, 4 cyclinder is up and now cams are close to where I set it yesterday, but off from where I set it yesterday, what makes things move. Am I missing something here? I do see the T slash then F slash then 1-4 slash.

[alhntr]

Ok I am rotating it with cam tensioner not in while Im doing my checking, chain jumping. I will start over at the left T. Put tensioner in , then rotate and see if the marks on end of cams stay aligned either in or out.

[alhntr]

OK got the cams in, 20 pins arrow to arrow. Put tensioner back in . Rotate engine cam marks on end are dead on either in or out but when the 2 and 3 are backup and 1 in the correct spot the T is no longer visible..I am I good, I know the chain did not slip. What a pain in the A.

[Nessism]

Post photos of 1-4 T mark lined up, 1-- mark lined up, then one showing the cam chain across the top, so we can see the links between 2 and 3.

The engine rotates clockwise, when viewed from the RH crank end. Never turn it backwards.

[alhntr]

IMG_20230410_142517 (1).jpg So it all looks good when I rotate clockwise to this position but the T is no longer lined up, but in tis position my valve clearance is where it was before.

[alhntr]

IMG_20230410_142431 (1).jpg This how I set it with T , then put tensioner in and rotate back to this position but the T is no longer lined up ?

[Nessism]

Show the 1-4 T position, please.

[alhntr]

IMG_20230410_154909.jpg Like I said after chain tensione install etc I rotate back to the 2 and 3 and 1 lined up the T off to the side. Valve clearance is ok.