'77 KZ650B1 cam seating issue

Hey, I'm having trouble getting the notched (right) side of my exhaust cam seated when I try to line the "T" level with the head in the front. The ignition is set at 1 & 4 TDC...should the ignition be lined up with the T or the mark in between the T & F??...The manual really doesn't say.
I have installed Dyna S electronic ignition.
There also seems like there's no slack in the cam chain. I'm pretty positive the chain is on the crank sprocket. Any suggestions? Thanks

is the tensioner removed?

Yes, the tensioner is out. The #3 lobe appears to be hitting on the shim bucket, not letting it sit level on the head. I could turn the shaft however many teeth it takes to sit level but the "T" mark on the sprocket won't be level with the head.

When the ignition timing is set, what needs to match up to the fixed timing mark?...the actual "T" or the line between the "T" and "F"??

is your tach drive keeping it from falling into place??

Did you have the cam gears off the cams?
If so, you may have re-installed the exhaust gear 180 degrees out.
No lobes should be be pointing down during re-installation.

Of course you need to tighten the cam caps, and the cams will settle in place and you'll have your slack. No way the cam can ever lay flat until you fully install. So line the T mark up on your advancer, look at the arrow on the exhaust cam and visualize where it will line up when the bolts are tightened, torque the cam down enough for it to be fully seated, look at your arrow and if you've guessed wrong by a tooth or two, go back and redo. After the exhaust is lined up, count back your 36 teeth and line the intake cam there, torque the intake cam, then press down on the chain between the cams to get enough slack to install the center idler sprocket, turn the engine clockwise slightly to take slack out, then install the tensioner if it's been removed, turn the engine over 1 revolution to the T mark and see both arrows lining up correctly with the head. There is no reason to ever remove the tensioner when removing the cams because on pre 1979 manual tensioner it will stay set right where it was, on 79-up lock the tensioner as instructed in the manual.

ah!:laugh:

Hey guys, thanks for the helpful replies...I worked on it this morning and finally got the timing right. I guess I skipped the "36 pin" rule from the manual. I was trying to snug the exhaust cam down and THEN set the intake cam in place instead of alligning them at the same time. The bike's running like a champ! Thanks again for the advice!

Nate

Well, I took the bike out again today for a more serious ride after timing the engine and it seems like it is losing power in 3rd and 4th gear. It even sounds different (from the exhaust pipes). I didn't notice any exhaust leaks...carbs are fine...any ideas?

Points, coils, electrical? Look at those, the motor would have gone bang or felt real weird if it was inside.

Also did you definately verify you set the cams correct? It's very easy to have the cams off by a tooth. This will not hurt anything, but obviously performance will suffer.

The cams are set right...
-exhaust "T" arrow lined up with head
-count 36 pins back, beginning with 1st pin ABOVE the exhaust arrow and line up intake cam arrow with the 36th pin, right?

Also, I have electronic ignition.

Bdog Points, coils, electrical? Look at those, the motor would have gone bang or felt real weird if it was inside.

Bdog, what do you mean by "...if it was inside?"