Cam shaft re-install

Is there any guidance that can be rendered to ensure I re-install the cam shafts properly? I'm assuming if I removed per the maunal/guide, aligned the engine to TDC then there is only one way it shoulf fit upon re-install. Just paranoid a bit Appreciatte the advice!

 

The picture shows me that you are a little bit ahead of Procedures.

On the Thrust Bridge that goes-on between the Sprockets and the Collar with the Hex Flats on them, ... is a Timing Mark that Drilled Dimples in the Collar will Line-up to.

There are Definitely some Visual Markers to look for ... to be lined-up with Timing Marks when the Crank is at TDC.

Look on the Thrust Caps for Arrows or Pointers.
Look on the Can Shoulder for Indicators that Line-up with the Pointers.

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Go ahead and BUMP it.
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550 Boys.
Can you help a Brother out!

 

thanks Rick, got a little ahead to take the picture/post to a message. Haven't gone too far save for placing the cams back in with one sprocket holding bolt. I think I understand your post...will look at it with fresh eyes in the AM and hopefully have more responses to reviews. Cheers, Adam

 

If it's not on TDC, remove the cams before you rotate it or you'll bend some valves...

Once you have it on TDC, with the cam chain tensioner and cam chain bridge removed, set the cams with their timing marks up so they'll line up to the arrows on #3 cam cap.

EDIT: Shoulda been #3 Cam cap

 

When you have a job to do, as intensive as Timing a Double Overhead Camshaft Engine; it is vitally important to have an Instructional Manual handy, because making a little mistake can cost hundreds of dollars, ... or worse ... cost you the Engine!

This is why I have always suggested to anyone who buys one of these Old XJ-Bikes to:

"Get the Book"

That way, ... when the question arises about something a process, a technique, the specifications, the resistance, how it comes off, how it goes on, the torque, and what you should do to troubleshoot, test, or simply what you should do next after you have tried something and it still didn't start, ... will all be written down and easy to find the answer.

You will always know what to do.
Just tell the guy watching you work on your Bike.

"Do me a favor. Step over there and hand me that Book."

Simple.

 

heh, the Haynes manual came with the bike (doing some bedtime reading as I type this.....), but leaves a little to be desired for this newbie I'm in no rush (well thats a lie...) but will take my time with this critical step!

BTW, is there a way to filter the member list by city aside from going through 300+ pages of members? Looking to see if there are any other XJ Riders here in Ottawa, ON

 

Got er done, both cams line up perfectly to the markings when @ TDC. Turns out I needed a break from the "project" to see things properly.

Torquiing the cam covers, installing the tensioner and will then get the valve cover gasket installed and in place.

Its coming...

Great to have the forum for guidance and reference! Thanks!

 

Put the Tensioner IN
Take-up the Slack.
Hand-Crank the Engine over 4X and Re-check the Timing.

 

Will do, (manual only said once!) Thanks Rick!