time for the timing.....

I just changed the head gasket on my maxim 750 and I am at the stage of putting it back togeather where it's time for timing. I got it close, but now i'm not sure if it's exactly right or not. So my question is exactly when should the exhaust valve and intake valve open? It should be EXACTLY when the piston starts to come up for exhaust and EXACTLY when the piston starts to go down for intake right? I'm pretty sure, but this is my first time timing two cams so i'm a little nervous.

 

I'm not sure how it's set up on the 750, I'm assuming they are similar.

On my 550 there is a single dot on each of the cams next to the cap in the center and then the T mark on the pick-up(I think that's what it's called) under the side cover. make sure the dots on the cams are aligned with the center of the cam cap and the T is aligned with the pointer under the side cover.

Pull the chain tight up from both sides and put them on the sprockets, then mount the sprockets to the cams using one bolt per cam gear.

Put in the center chain guide.

Turn the engine counterclockwise to the C mark on the pick-up, then let the chain tensioner tighten up by loosening the bolt on the side. you should hear it click into place.

Turn the engine over by hand using the nut on the main shaft by the pick-up. Rotate it back to the T mark turning the engine over twice, if you feel any binding stop!

Once back to the T mark both dots should be aligning with the cam caps again. If not something is out of alignment and you get to start over.

Someone who has a 750 should chime in to say whether or not it's the same.

 

where were the dots located on your cams? I don't see them. Of corse i prolly looked right at them, and just didn't realize it.

 

here's a pic of mine before I tore it down. Big image to help you see better. I can resize it you want it smaller though.

The yellow circles are around the dots.

 

Thanks. That's a great load off my mind. Thanks to your pic I found the dots and they're verry close to perfect. Thank you for the help.

 

No problem, good thing I was picture happy during dis-assembly! Has saved me a few times already!

 

on the X you can't get it wrong one tooth off on either cam and the motor will not make a full revolution. I found this out the hard way by trying to use the wrong mark on the cams.