SF Cam chain fitting

[Allan R]

I,m having a bit of a dilemma trying to fit a new cam chain to my SF engine. I have had stripped down to have new liners and am putting her back together, but am having trouble in fitting the chain and getting the timing marks to line up. With the cam set to the head the crank seems to be either just BTDC or one tooth out ATDC.
Has anyone had thisproblem before or know of any knack when fitting a new chain.
Ta Muchly
Al.

 

[laverdakeith]

Best not to trust the factory marks Al, they can be quite a way off. Establish true TDC and see how you go.


    Keith.

 

[Allan R]

Thanks Keith I'll give it a go.
She does turn over freely enough, so can't be too far out.
Cheers Al

 

[Tippie]

It is easy to use a piece of wire clamped to the engine and bend it to suit the mark. It is as accurate as you need with a long thin screwdriver carefully "rocking" through the plughole to locate TDC. I usually tighten the head down slightly using thick washers and spacers under the nuts to get enough slack in the chain to make joining it easier. If there is any chain slack make sure it is on the tensioner side by rotating the crank forward up to the marks aligning.
Lee