Hello - I am curious about something that I think is no problem, just want a math/logic double-check before I fire the beast up.
Bike: 1976 CB550k
My cam chain tensioner and guide were shot so I too the engine down to taking the head off and replaced them.
One thing I screwed up that I didn't realize until I had put the cover back on, the little notch on the right side of the camshaft needs to line up with the top of the head. I got it all nicely lined up while cranked to TDC but realized after I put the final screws in the cover that I had it facing toward the BACK of the bike, Clymer shown it facing toward the FRONT of the bike. LAME. And I had diligently set all the tappet clearances, etc. I'll have to do that over...
Here's the riddle: does camshaft being 180deg out matter on this bike? TDC=compression cyl1, exhaust cyl4 and 1&4 fire, 90deg of cam rotation: compression cyl3 (I think), exhaust cyl2 (I think) and 2:3 fire. 90 more deg of cam rotation: compression cyl4, exhaust cyl1, 1&4 fire. final 90deg rotation: cyl2 compression, cyl3 exhaust, 2&3 fire. So if the camshaft were 180 degrees out, wouldn't that just start this cycle in the middle? DO I not need to rip it apart again?? PLEASE HELP ME!
I Think it should work just fine...the camshaft spins around once for every two spins of the crankshaft, and the cylinders fire in pairs anyway, and the sequence is set by the cams on the shaft.
I Think I'm OK. But I have thought that before and been WAAAAAAAAAYY off.
Thanks for any reassurance. It's past my bedtime and I can't think in straight lines anymore.
~RR
