- Thu Sep 05, 2019 6:56 pm
#85284
I'd previously retarded the inlet cam by a tooth, as is often suggested, very early on in my ownership of the bike. I am fairly sure it helped a little at the top end, but that's not what's needed in view of the main use I now intend to put the bike to. Since doing this (done while I had the top end off the engine to replace the faulty exhaust valve seat the bike came with) I've also fitted a new "Woodsman" exhaust and new carburettor. The new carb has noticeably improved the running of the bike - it's a first kick starter now and there's no sign of the old problem of fuel starvation on full throttle.
However, the cam timing.. Today I decided to remove the timing cover to put the cam timing back to standard. I was pleased to see that everything in there was pristine clean. I had a new oil pump drive spindle already in stock just in case I might find undue wear on the original but didn't need it and the pump assembly passed the "thumb" test. Having very recently changed the oil, I decided not the drain the tank and waste all the new oil. However, I soon realised there was a continuous dribble of oil from the feed oilway. I put a small blob of soft grease in the oilway, which held back the oil just enough for me to get the job done, but without blocking the oilway permanently!
All went back together easily. A test ride this afternoon made me quickly realise how much "bottom end" performance I'd lost by advancing the cam!
The bike is now much "softer" and will trickle along at low speed much more readily. I rode a few byways and was very pleased to find it was easier to ride off-road. The top end is a bit less snappy than it was, but still good enough for the faster main roads.
Another step in the right direction.
However, the cam timing.. Today I decided to remove the timing cover to put the cam timing back to standard. I was pleased to see that everything in there was pristine clean. I had a new oil pump drive spindle already in stock just in case I might find undue wear on the original but didn't need it and the pump assembly passed the "thumb" test. Having very recently changed the oil, I decided not the drain the tank and waste all the new oil. However, I soon realised there was a continuous dribble of oil from the feed oilway. I put a small blob of soft grease in the oilway, which held back the oil just enough for me to get the job done, but without blocking the oilway permanently!
All went back together easily. A test ride this afternoon made me quickly realise how much "bottom end" performance I'd lost by advancing the cam!
The bike is now much "softer" and will trickle along at low speed much more readily. I rode a few byways and was very pleased to find it was easier to ride off-road. The top end is a bit less snappy than it was, but still good enough for the faster main roads.
Another step in the right direction.
Built like a gun... could go BANG!