Cam Timing issue?

[Spearo]

I have opened my bike up today for a valve check and possible adjustment.

The, Haynes manual states that at TDC, all cam lobes for cylinder 1 will be pointing up away from the bucket.
This is just not the case. I have the dot and hash mark lined up on the crank.
Both cams have the lines facing inward, and flush with the head.

Basically everything indicates perfect sequence.... except for the cam lobes.

At TDC the only lobes facing up are Intake on cylinder 2, and Exhaust on Cylinder 3.

What may the problem be? Or does one even exist?

[Travisty]

This may come across like I'm being a smartass, but not the case.
You engine is mounted at an angle, at TDC the lobe will be at an angle. Try rotating the motor again til your marks line up again.
Consider a triumph manual in the future.

[Spearo]

I have both manuals. Seems like the Haynes may not be 100% accurate.

[MacBandit]

There's never been a Haynes manual that was even 75% correct and Haynes is the best of the aftermarket manuals.

If all the lobes were lined up you would have big issues.

[Spearo]

Originally Posted by MacBandit

If all the lobes were lined up you would have big issues.

I realized that after some long analysis. Thanks for the response though.
The timing is perfect.

Now my next issue appears to be getting a correct reading from a feeler gauge. The angle really throws off my feel, especially on the exhaust side. Be it precurved gauge or straight. And I only have a couple sizes in precurved.

[MacBandit]

These aren't screw type rockers your adjusting. It's shim and bucket the feeler gauge goes or it doesn't. Don't force it. Throw some lube on the gauge if it feels like its rough. Remember you just need the valves in the range the exact point in that range isn't really important.

[Travisty]

I've bent my gauges in a half hexagon shape to make it easier to read.

[Spearo]

Bummer, my exhaust valves seem to all be way out of spec. Engine has 12K miles on it.

I believe to have done good measurements. By feel, I went with what produced a smooth "stutter". If pulling back and forth produced a coarse "stutter", I called it too tight.

Cylinder and cam lobe orientation from left to right, when in normal riding position.

Measurements...

Cylinder 1
Exhaust
Left .279mm Right .229mm
Intake
Left .152mm Right .178mm


Cylinder 2
Exhaust
Left .229mm Right .220mm
Intake
Left .152mm Right .178mm


Cylinder 3
Exhaust
Left .229mm Right .203mm
Intake
Left .178mm Right .178mm


What gives?

[Travisty]

I've done 12k's where they were all out. Not abnormal.

[MacBandit]

Definitely. The first time you adjust them doesn't mean much. If they change a lot between adjustments then something might be up.