QuestionI went to set the valves for the first time on this bike tonight(Got it last year and put 1500 miles on it).
The two manuals I have say turn the rotor couterclockwise till the pointer and LT marks aling (timming marks), And check to see that both cams index marks aling w/ the marks in the head casting. They DONT, and never will! No matter were you rotate the engine, the intake cam will always be about 30degrees behind.
Could it be possible this cam was put in this far off at one time, yet it still runs?
Should I undo the chain and correct this or just set the valve clearance off the base of the lobe?
AnswerJeff, watch the valves at the T and LT positions. They will either both be closed on compression stroke or they both will be partially opened on overlap stroke. As you arrive at the T or LT, you should be seeing the exhaust valve just closing, while the intake is just opening on the overlap stroke. If that is the case, then the cams are correctly in time.
Another check is to measure compression with a gauge. If you are in the 160-175psi range, then the cam timing is fine. If a cam is off a tooth or two, the compression readings will drop lower, but be even on both sides.
http://www.thefang.co.uk/cb500tips.htm#camchain Some tips on this site.
Bill Silver
