Topic: "2" = left or right?

[Hush]

OK I'm working on the timing of my partner's GSX400 and it's driven me just a little insane, I finally think I have found the problem.
I'm working from two guides, a book on the GS400 which is very close to the GSX and those bikes have points, and an internet guide I downloaded for the GSX400 (all models).
My GSX falls somewhere in the middle of both of these guides.
My big problem has been setting the static timing, I've had a few false starts so far but the bike refuses to run at all.
Here's where maybe someone can help me out, the internet guide states " set the timing on the "2" cylinder!?
OK my bike has "L" or "R" cylinders, which would you think they mean by the "2" cylinder?
So far I have set the timing on the "R" cylinder and it all looked great but something is amiss with the timing still and the bike does not run.
To set the timing on the "L" cylinder means removing the twin cams and rotating them while holding the chain from turning.
So is "2" meaning the Left or Right cylinder?

[Retro Rocket]

Geeze Hush, i would say the right cylinder but is that from sitting on the bike or looking from the front.....
Sorry to throw another spanner in the works mate....

Mick

[bill440cars]

Geeze Hush, i would say the right cylinder but is that from sitting on the bike or looking from the front.....
Sorry to throw another spanner in the works mate....

Mick

   I would say that #2 is the right cylinder. Usually things like that are in reference of the item itself (just as the front and back of the engine are called that, no matter what). My $0.02.  

[w1sa]

Don't know the bike's set-up, but, assuming the valve timing is still correct/unchanged, you should be able to check correct ignition timing by confirming that the individual spark events coincide with respective compression strokes.

[Hush]

After re-reading the book again I see that the GS model does not have adjustable valves, they have some wierd shims that when worn to a certain level you renew!
I've found the answer to my question on the internet downloaded manual, 2=L 1=R.
Bill you owe me a chocolate fish.
OK so now it looks like I have the cams in wrong so it's back to the shed to play with sprockets and chains again, I think this is number 4 go at this............wish me luck.

[bill440cars]

After re-reading the book again I see that the GS model does not have adjustable valves, they have some wierd shims that when worn to a certain level you renew!
I've found the answer to my question on the internet downloaded manual, 2=L 1=R.
Bill you owe me a chocolate fish.
OK so now it looks like I have the cams in wrong so it's back to the shed to play with sprockets and chains again, I think this is number 4 go at this............wish me luck.

          Ooops! Looks like I've got EGG, uh, I mean Chocolate Fish!

[Green550F]

I used to have a GS450E. The only bike I have ever truly regretted selling.
The GS450 used shim-under-bucket valve adgustment. Most current OHC engines will. It's great and doesn't change lash specs often due to the direct valve push. Only wear on the surfaces will cause it to grow. (Also helps get those revs up by reducing an oscillating part.)

My GS450E was an '83 and it used CDI ignition, no points. Low maintenance but pricey to fix. I'd have preferred an occasional cheap fix!

[HavocTurbo]

Leave it to your "x" to screw everything up for you eh? 

Hope you get it sorted.

[Hush]

Wish this one had the CDI unit, damn points, thought I was past fiddling with them!