oil on the good foot

[speedlimit85]

I think what happened was the centrifigal advance was out of place like you said can happen.

And I advanced the timing like ya said- a bit CCW. It might be a 1200 now...running scary good!

[bikerphil]

So it was all just a bad dream?

Glad it's running right and you learned a few things along the way.

Back to poppin' wheelies again. : )

[speedlimit85]

It runs right. Bike is fixed!

I put it all back together. This time the bolt and reluctor plate moved into right position the torque wrench clicked right. This bike runs like this never happened.

[bikerphil]

1 thru 4, left to right, sitting the bike.

[speedlimit85]

Someone suggested that- I may check. #1 is left side facing forward right?

[bikerphil]

If you want. The #1 piston should be at TDC with the cam dots lined up with the arrows and the timing plate at the T mark.

[speedlimit85]

Before closing it up, would it be a good idea to verify the timing with TDC by the piston movement in # 1 cylinder?

[bikerphil]

I think it's 7 ft/lb.

[speedlimit85]

It fits! Glad I didn't tear it up in anger. What's the torque for the valve cover?

[bikerphil]

Try turning the gasket around 180 deg and see if it fits better. It is never good to overtighten things, who knows what may result.

[speedlimit85]

Bolt and reluctor look ok. I need to put pam on next gasket like Phil says.

[speedlimit85]

The gasket is clearly just a bit off and will not work. I talked to the bike mechanic who would not do the seal. He said test pickups then test spark like down a list...

It was running right then felt like running on one cylinder. Could be anything unrelated but it feels electrical like the pickup coils.

Could overtightening the bolt done something? It won'tclick at the right torque anymore.

[Ranger_xs1100]

I'm wondering if the engine was running on all four cylinders when you first discovered how bad it was running. When you get it back together, checking for hot or cold header pipes will answer that question. The work you did with the seal, may be coincidental and unrelated to the problem you are chasing now. I know that sounds contradictory to normal troubleshooting standards, which is always look at what your last did that may have caused the problem. But at this point, in my opinion, is put it back together and start fresh with the basics. Compression is probably not the issue; especially since it is consistent across all 4 cylinders. I have had bikes start and run ok with 90-100. In my experience that usually returns to normal levels after riding a bit. I suspect that you will find One or more cylinders not firing. If so, knowing which ones will be a helpful clue on how to proceed.

[bikerphil]

Ok, the timing is correct, cams dots line up with the cap arrows at TDC. You have checked the P/U coils and they check out good. What next? I'm fresh out of ideas.

Are you positive it is the wrong gasket? It is not symmetrical, it can only fit one way.

When you do start the engine, try the petcocks on prime, just in case one has failed or a vacuum hose is broken.

It's good to have that meter, like Ray stated, a valuable tool to have on hand.

[speedlimit85]

Aftermarket gasket is wrong. I have to wait to put the valve cover back. Got a meter and it was defective- changed it for a good one. The pick up coils read good with the meter.