Motorcycle Repair: 1981 HONDA XL125S TIMING CHAIN, honda xl125s, cam lobes


Question
I BROKE THE TIMING CHAIN ON MY 1981 HONDA XL125S.... I HAVE REPLACED THE CHAIN AND NOW I HAVE SOME CONCERNS.   THE "T" MARK ON THE FLYWHEEL IS NOT TOP DEAD CENTER OF THE STROKE...ITS ABOUT 3/4" OFF THE MARK ON THE CASE ...IF I SET THE CHAIN SPROCKET, WITH THE CIRCLE STRAIGHT UP (CAM LOBES DOWN),  THE MARK ON THE "T" MARK ON THE FLYWHEEL IS ABOUT 3/4" PAST THE MARK ON THE CASE ....

Answer
Dave, I may be the bearer of bad news. Its possible that the piston hit the valves bending the connecting rod. This may explain why the piston is a the top of its travel and the timing mark is not at the proper position. Or the flywheel woodruff key sheared and the flywheel spun on the crankshaft a little. There isnt much room at the top of the piston and the valves to start with.