Valve timing looks out. What do others think?

Right, found the dimple marks for the valve timing and it looks like my valve timing may have managed to get itself slightly advanced. The arrow on the cam cap points to the ridge that can be seen in the pics, but in the opposite direction strangely. Is this a problem or not worth bothering about?

http://www.asud08.dsl.pipex.com/xj/exh_cam_mark.jpg

http://www.asud08.dsl.pipex.com/xj/inlet_cam_mark.jpg

 

If I understand correctly if you turn the crank 360 degrees ( one full turn) it should correct itself.

 

Are you sure you have the crank set right on TDC ?

 

It doesn't matter how many revolutions I turn the engine. It remains in this odd position. The crank is set here.

http://www.asud08.dsl.pipex.com/xj/timing_mark.jpg

The crank is here when the camshaft dimples line up with their mark. This pic has not got such good focus.

http://www.asud08.dsl.pipex.com/xj/timing_mark_out.jpg

 

You are using the wrong timing mark. Remove the left side point cover and use the stationary pointer. It will align with the "T" mark on the plate the pickup coils are mounted on. Both camshafts are aligned with each other, the question is if they are aligned with the crankshaft "timing" marks. I haven't used the timing mark you picture so I can't comment on it's use. I do know that the "T" mark on the pickup coil plate is what the manual instructs you to use when setting the camshaft alignment.

 

And my first pic above has a large "T" marked on the flywheel.

 

What model of bike do you have gazzafield?

 

IIRC the cam timing is not adjustable. One chain link in either direction and you would be way off. Mine seems to ride the edge of the dimple on the front cam and lign up perfectly on the rear cam so my guess is the dimples are not as precise as you might think.

 

Aren't you are supposed to turn it one way only to line up the marks. It might be going the wrong way and the cam chain might not be tight.I don't remember if its counterclockwise or clockwise,

You can adjust cam timing but you need to slot the cam sprockets. The first picture showed that they might be a tad bit off and probably not enough to worry about. As long as you can rotate the crank by hand and not have valves and pistons hit then you should be fine. Remember it's alot easier to rotate the crank if the spark plugs are out.

Sean

 

Yes I understand that, but the engine doesn't look like an XJ. If you are asking advice about another engine then you need to post the info so we can answer your question with certainty. The timing mark in the photo is not the timing mark shown to use by my XJ manuals.

 

XJ600 marked on the sidepanel kind of gives the model away.

 

Do you know with absolute certainty that the Pointer which you line-up the Crankshaft mark on the Ignition Rotor is 100% ACCURATELY Indicating
Top DEAD Center? (+/- Zero)!

If the Pointer got bent ... you could be off a degree or two relying on the
two marks being lined-up ... but, The Number One Piston actually Advanced or Retarded a degree+ before or after Top Dead which would cause the Markings on the Camshafts to NOT be on their TDC Timing Indicator Marks.

You need to be sure that Number One is at True TDC for those Indicators on the Camshafts to be PERFECTLY Lined-up!

 

Checked the pics again, I can't find a side cover in the pics. Doesn't matter, I have a rule about helping people with attitude. I don't. You are on your own.

 

I agree with BlueMaxim, I don't see any sidepanels in your pictures!
What year is your XJ600?
All the timing marks that I'm aware of are on the rotor for the ignition pickup coils on the left side of the crankcase.
Your one picture looks to me like the rotor for the charging system?