cam/ignition timing

  • daveo
  • daveo's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 3126
  • Thanks: 878

Re: cam/ignition timing

03 Apr 2026 09:11
#922734
The cam chain gets pressed down (by the top guide) between the camshafts when the cam cover and tensioner are installed.
The downward pressure rotates the intake cam clockwise bringing the arrow into alignment with the head surface.

My engine has an APE manual chain tensioner installed. 
Once adjusted, the cam cover can be removed without having to loosen and reset it.

Note the chain sag:
 
1982 KZ1100-A2 Sleeper 😎



The following user(s) said Thank You: rickysnicker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • rickysnicker
  • rickysnicker's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 51
  • Thanks: 19

Re: cam/ignition timing

03 Apr 2026 11:53 - 03 Apr 2026 11:54
#922737
I see the slack in the chain.  I have none in mine.  Its taught.  Does this mean there is something wrong?  My bike has a stock cam chain tensioner.
The cam chain gets pressed down (by the top guide) between the camshafts when the cam cover and tensioner are installed.
The downward pressure rotates the intake cam clockwise bringing the arrow into alignment with the head surface.

My engine has an APE manual chain tensioner installed. 
Once adjusted, the cam cover can be removed without having to loosen and reset it.

Note the chain sag:


 
Last edit: 03 Apr 2026 11:54 by rickysnicker.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Wookie58
  • Wookie58's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Moderator
  • Moderator
    Registered
  • Posts: 6198
  • Thanks: 3919

Re: cam/ignition timing

03 Apr 2026 12:39
#922739
If the chain is tight (assuming the tensioner is backed off) then the pin count is wrong 
The following user(s) said Thank You: rickysnicker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • daveo
  • daveo's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Premium Member
  • Premium Member
    Registered
  • Posts: 3126
  • Thanks: 878

Re: cam/ignition timing

03 Apr 2026 15:44
#922742
Illustration from my KZ1100 Factory Service Manual

1982 KZ1100-A2 Sleeper 😎



The following user(s) said Thank You: Wookie58, rickysnicker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • rickysnicker
  • rickysnicker's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 51
  • Thanks: 19

Re: cam/ignition timing

04 Apr 2026 05:16
#922750
You guys have been very helpful, thank you!  Wookie, the cam chain tensioner is installed and there is tension on the chain.  Daveo, that photo is great.  I didn't realize you were supposed to count from right to left.  I have that exact pin count.  As that photo shows, I am on the odd pin, on the exhaust side where the arrow lines up with the valve cover mounting surface.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • zed1015
  • zed1015's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 3265
  • Thanks: 1966

Re: cam/ignition timing

04 Apr 2026 06:36
#922753
You guys have been very helpful, thank you!  Wookie, the cam chain tensioner is installed and there is tension on the chain.  
You must remove or back off the tensioner before refitting the cam cover.
AIR CORRECTOR JETS FOR VM CARBS AND ETHANOL RESISTANT VITON CHOKE PLUNGER SEAL REPLACMENT FOR ALL CLASSIC AND MODERN MOTORCYCLE CARBURETTORS
www.kzrider.com/forum/23-for-sale/611992...lide-mikunis?start=1






The following user(s) said Thank You: Wookie58, rickysnicker

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • rickysnicker
  • rickysnicker's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • User
    Registered
  • Posts: 51
  • Thanks: 19

Re: cam/ignition timing

04 Apr 2026 16:51
#922772
Thank you, I will.  I did not know that.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Moderators: Street Fighter LTD
Powered by Kunena Forum