QuestionI know this isnt your normal make and model you prefer But i have one question that maybe you might be able to answer if you dont mind. I have a Kawasaki KLF 185 Bayou Im trying to time the engine. Every time i do, the valves are always hitting the piston. Each time i set the piston at TDC and set the cam chain when the dot on the sprocket gear, (which should be when both valves are loose and and not sprung out.) Every time i start it up i always hear a clicking sounding. And i am 95% sure its a valves hitting the piston. What am i missing? Can you please help me out with any advice? i would aprriciate it. adam
AnswerAdam, Setting cam timing is pretty much the same for all engines.
Set the piston at TDC, then rotate the camshaft so the lobes are both DOWN equally... inverted V = / \ That might put the dowel pin locater at the 12 o'clock position. Guessing here, as you didn't give a year and I just checked a 220 version on bikebandits.com
When you turn the motor over ONE turn, both valves will be slightly open (overlap). Often you can feel the engine "stop" at this point, if the valves are adjusted properly and are right at the middle of the overlap phase of valve timing. When the valves are at that position, the crankshaft should be at or very near T mark (TDC). If you have been doing the same thing several times, with piston hitting valves, then you may get to a point where you have bent a valve and it isn't seating properly, perhaps staying open enough to hit the piston on the top of compression stroke.
Hopefully, you didn't put the piston in backwards (valve cutaways are larger for the intake valve and there is an offset for the piston pin).
Another noise you can hear is the camchain slapping back and forth if the tensioner isn't tight or the camchain is just worn out and hitting something inside the cylinder.
Bill Silver
