Adjusting Slotted Cam Sprockets

[Anonymous]

So I am all set to install my slotted sprockets and degree my cams. If the freakin' weather would cooperate anyway...

I have been thinking this through (this being my first time degreeing cams) and it has occurred to me that the final adjustments are going to be REALLY fine on the sprocket to camshaft phasing. Going from 106 to 108 lobe centers will make serious changes to the engine performance and that is only 2 degrees of crank rotation, which is only 1 degree of cam rotation. That seems very touchy to my eye...

So do the veterans out there have any tips for accurately and easily moving the cams and sprockets relative to one another? Or do I just keep fiddling with it until it comes out right?


Thanks,
Mark

 

[Anonymous]

It's not that bad actually. I loosened the clap bolts just a bit and then grabbed the camshaft with some pliers on the cast surface and gave it a tweek. It only took a few times to get it right, then I move to the other cam. After both were done I rechecked each.

I also only spun the motor in one direction to keep the chain tension correct.

Use a dial indicator and don't use the cam lobe centers, make your measurements on either side - say 0.050" down - then average.

 

[RacingJake]

For minor adjusting I just use a small screwdriver and I stick it in the slot of the sprocket and push/pry the cam in the direction I want to go. Your right about the amount of movement, just a hair either way will do it. It also helps to keep the cam bolts just on the pinch side of snug when changing timing.

Also never turn the engine backwards if you miss your mark keep going clockwise until it pops up again.

On valve to piston clearance don't go below 50 thou on the intake and 75 thou on the exhaust.

Good Luck

 

[Anonymous]

On valve to piston clearance don't go below 50 thou on the intake and 75 thou on the exhaust.

I am still running the stock cams and I am going to set them up to the stock settings in my manual, which are 109degrees intake and 110degrees exhaust. After I see what that does for the bike, I will decide if I want to try out 108/108 or what.

Thanks for the replies,

Mark

 

[pano]

Mark, you mean 110 deg Intake and 109 deg exhaust right?.

I just finished mine yesterday and it took me a while because I measured and measured and double checked my measurements but I ended up putting them to the stock values.

I hope to give it a test ride soon.

 

[Anonymous]

Mark, you mean 110 deg Intake and 109 deg exhaust right?.

Duh, that would be correct. See what happens when you trust your memory?

I hope to give it a test ride soon.

Let us know how it goes. I will be doing mine over the next few nights or the Easter weekend. It is currently cold and snowing and is supposed to stay that way for the next week, so my first ride will be a week or two off at least.

Mark