Cant get cam timing right, going crazy

I have removed and tried to realign these cams at least 15 times and I cant get it right. here is the steps I am taking

1 setting engine to 1-4 tdc by putting it to the line on the left of the T
pulling chain taught

2 install exhaust cam with the line ajoining the t mark just above the the cylinder head facing the front

3 putting the inlet cam facing the rear with exactly 36 pins starting at the exhaust t arrow as 0 and ending at the T arrow on the inlet cam

4 tighten cam hold downs

5 install top sprocket guide

6 install cam chain tensioner, then unloosen the side bolt so the cct tightens the chain

When I first go to turn the motor the 1-4 T on the bottom will move a little bit before the cams do and after a couple of revolutions the inlet is actually just below the surface of the head and exhaust is just above where the gasket would be. Also somewhere around 3-4 markers on the bottom the chain goes loose up top??? Im not an idiot but this is making me feel like one.

Picture?

these were taken at 1-4 tdc , pretty sure the exhaust cam is where it needs to be but the inlet T mark line is just slightly below the head, another tooth up and it would put it at 35 pins and imagine it would be way off. I rotated the motor a couple more times and unloosened the tensioner bolt and it cleared up the slack I had. I cant understand what i am doing wrong here

1st picture looks like cam bolts are loose.....check torque settings....it is wrong in some manuals....I think its like 7 or 8. dont over torque them as they will stip-out.

yea its loose because I tried to move the cam a bit. but the arrow is at the same position with it tigtened down because the other ones are holding it

Assuming the timing advancer is set with the 1/4 "T" mark aligned with the pointer, the photos look like the cam timing is set correctly. I did notice you have installed the top sprocket guide facing the wrong way (the bridge should face forward) but that shouldn't affect the timing. Ed

so it is right? I thought both arrows were supposed to be flush with the head per manual? Ive seen a thread where the exhaust arrow should be flush with the "matting material". and your right it is facing the wrong direction. Ill flip it back around

I cant get a good picture down on the crankshaft but there is a T then a line then an F then a line then a 1.4 I have it on the line right after the T. Its different then whats in the manual for some reason

Some examples of different markings:



Good Fortune!

the bronze colored one is the one I have. so I should be on the mark right of the T right? whats the F for?

gixxerfiend wrote: the bronze colored one is the one I have. so I should be on the mark right of the T right? whats the F for?

the bronze colored one is the one I have. so I should be on the mark right of the T right? Yes.
The T stands for "Top Dead Center" or "TDC," which means the pistons are at their highest positions.
The T mark is used for cam timing.

The F mark is used for ignition timing. (As in when the spark plugs Fire.)
When viewed under a timing light at idle rpm, the F mark is supposed to align with the case mark.

Good Fortune!