Topic: Dialling in camshaft, need some tech info?

[Terry in Australia]

   I still think 125psi is a pretty good # to get on a cold compression test with stock pistons, or am I thinking wrong here It's been a while since I did a cold compression check on a stock motor but I seem to recall getting between 100-115 on a used motor. Also, the fact that they're all even (+/- 2psi) to each other I'd be inclined to rule out valve damage unless each valve was damaged in exactly the same way. By all means, inspect for damage while you have it off. Just holding the good thought that everything is OK Terry

  Let me know if you need another stock bore headgasket rushed over. I've got several leftovers.

G'Day Sean, thanks for that mate, you truly deserve to be showered in beautiful women or good Bourbon, or perhaps good Bourbon flavored women, for being such a good bloke, ha ha! I don't need a head gasket right now mate, I've got a few here, but thanks anyway.

The compression thing is interesting, I've got another engine (a K6 engine I scored at a swap meet) in a K2 frame, it'd be lucky if it was pushing much more than 100 psi when hot, it doesn't leak or blow smoke, but you can crank it over with your hand no problem, yet it runs and rides really well, although it'll be getting a top end rebuild done on it this year too.

I'm hoping that your inclination that there's no damage is right, and maybe the valves whacking into the pistons caused the bike to run like crap without actually damaging anything, but that thinking defies logic, even though I can't see any damage at all on the valves. Still, I'll check that out once I assemble the stock engine and get it back into the K1. If it is good, I'll start rebuilding another "racer" engine right away, but this time I'll use one of my 836cc kits, with those nice deep valve pockets, ha ha! Cheers, Terry.      

[Ben]

Hi Terry,

hope all turns out ok? one trick i use to measure all clearances in the bore (piston to head, piston to valves) is a simple length of .040" (1mm) solder. Poke it through the spark plug hole to the area you want to measure and wind the engine over. If it just kisses you are fine, no touch you could reduce clearance a little, squashed beyond around .025" and you need more clearance. 0.40" is ideal. Nothing a quick touch with the dremel won't fix!

c u at the classic! i will be on the k4 again and will hopefully see you this time (and get a place with any luck!).

cheers,
ben.

[Terry in Australia]

G'Day Ben, that's a bloody good idea, I'll do that next time mate, much better idea than assembling everything and using plasticene to measure the clearance, then pull it apart again to check!

It looks like it'll be a great weekend at the classic mate, are you racing on Sunday too? My cousin is riding his 1944 Indian Chief from Bairnsdale (where it's still 1944, ha ha!) and Andre is coming down from Sydney on his F1, and it'll be great to finally catch up with you, for sure! My number is 0409 425 399, give me a yell on Sunday when you're not busy winning races! Cheers, Terry.

[Ben]

Yeah, its a handy trick. I'll be there all weekend. Willl take your number and give you a call to catch up!

I have a fairing on the K4 now, it is silver, number 72.

Fingers crossed eh?

Cheers,

Ben.

[Terry in Australia]

Yeah, its a handy trick. I'll be there all weekend. Willl take your number and give you a call to catch up!

I have a fairing on the K4 now, it is silver, number 72.

Fingers crossed eh?

Cheers,

Ben.

Best of luck mate, I'll be the big ugly bastard cheering you on! Cheers, Terry.