Motorcycle Repair: valve timing, point gap, cam timing

Question
I have a 72 350 honda that i would like to get running when i went to check timing,point gap,and vlv. clearance,nothing would line up correctly. example.. while checking the vlvs. i lined up the lt mark on the alt and checked to see if vlvs were closed and the tappets were tight so i rotated 360 degrees counterclockwise and they were still tight so i looked down the cyl. and when the piston came up the intake vlv was opening is it possible that the cam was put in incorrectly? and would this cause the points not to open at the correct times because i can not get any thing to work or line up with my marks the way it should? Thanks so much

Answer
Mike, if the cam timing isn't correct by very much, then the valves and pistons will hit, usually causing bent valves and no compression. It could be off just a tooth, one way or the other and not hurt anything inside.

Turn the motor over slowly and watch the valves move up and down, in relationship to the T and LT marks. If you don't have any valve clearance, then adjust the valves if possible. If the adjuster shafts just turn over and don't allow for valve clearance, there is a problem in there. If the timing plate is way off when you try to set ignition timing then the cam timing is off, unless the spark advancer locating pin sheared off or fell out.

I think I would pull the top engine cover off and look at the cam and followers and cam timing marks. You may have to pull the motor to access the top end stuff.

When you are done, you should have valve clearances, 150+psi compression and the ignition timing should fall right into place.

Bill Silver