First part of my question, I realized I posted in the wrong section (top end section)

When I was fitting my new V-4 cams in the gear case, lining up the timing marks, I noticed that with all the marks perfectly aligned, the front piston is abouts a bit after BDC on it's way up to TDC...bottom of the stroke.
Is this normal? Do we actually give any thought to where the piston is in its stroke as long as the timing marks are lined up?

2nd question is about shimming the new cams.
absolutely necessary?
The stockers had quite a bit more than the minimum HD spec of .005". What is maximum allowable endplay?

Im no motor head but I thing the timing marks are ment to be aligned correctly as the first cylinder is at TDC on the intake stroke. Your service manual should speak top this.

This might sound like a stupid question, but do you have a harley manual for your bike? And did it start after you put it back together? Mine did.


QUOTE=engine]First part of my question, I realized I posted in the wrong section (top end section)

When I was fitting my new V-4 cams in the gear case, lining up the timing marks, I noticed that with all the marks perfectly aligned, the front piston is abouts a bit after BDC on it's way up to TDC...bottom of the stroke.
Is this normal? Do we actually give any thought to where the piston is in its stroke as long as the timing marks are lined up?

2nd question is about shimming the new cams.
absolutely necessary?
The stockers had quite a bit more than the minimum HD spec of .005". What is maximum allowable endplay?[/QUOTE]

I'm thinking #1 piston needs to be @ tdc in order to get the cams timed right. The manual is not real clear, as usual, on this point. Important thing is the timing mark on the pinion gear lining up with the #2 cam (rear intake, then the rest of the cam gears lining up. I also think that when the pinion gear mark is lined with the #2 cam mark that the #1 piston has to be @ tdc. IMO, end play is not really all that critical on the old 4 speeds.
Ted

I am new to this forum and have been reading it lately to get info on changing cams in my recently purchased 2000 XLHC.

As to the question why the front piston is just past bottom dead center when the timing mark is aligned, I would think this is where it should be as you are timing valves, not the firing. I've never changed cams in a Sportster before, but I would think that when the marks are aligned all of the valves would be closed. This is the condition you want when the piston starts moving up just berfore firing, the compression stroke.

Thinking about changing my cams, are any special tools required?

TIA

99 FLHR
2000 RC51
2000 XLHC

The "cam timing marks" have no bearing on where the pistons are.If you want prefection, get a degree wheel ,adapt it to the pinion gear, get the specs of the cams(deg. lift and duration, valve opens/closes@),and then see where each valve opens.,number of degrees duration,when it closes,etc.

The below info I wrote when changing cams in my 04 ... but, I would think that is would pertain to your motor too ... Here it is again:

Replacing the Cams:

Prior to replacing the cams, they should be cleaned with a spray of brake cleaner and then lubricated thoroughly with engine oil to include the cam lobe and drive gear.

The rocker arms will need to be removed in order to take the pressure off the cams prior to there removal and replacement.

Insure that the timing mark on the #5 gear (pinion gear) is pointing directly at the center of the #2 cam’s bushing ... see picture below.

http://x402.putfile.com/4/10520102388.jpg

Note: When installing each cam, the lifters can be moved slightly up into there bores with you fingers while you are installing the cams. This will allow each cam to slide all the way into the bushing in the engine case.

Cam Identification:

#1 cam (Rear Exhaust Cam)
#2 cam (Rear Intake Cam) (cam with double gears)
#3 cam (Front Intake Cam)
#4 cam (Front Exhaust Cam)

Note: The “V” markings on the cams are not used for timing purposes. Disregard them.

Install the #1 cam. Insure that the slot marking is also pointing directly at the center of the #2 cam’s bushing.

Install the #3 cam. Insure that the slot marking is also pointing directly at the center of the #2 cam’s bushing.

Install the #2 cam. As you install this cam, insure that all 3 timing marks (dots) on this cam line up with the timing slot markings on the other 3 gears (#1 cam, #3 cam and the #5 pinion gear).

Now install the #4 cam. Insure that it’s timing mark (dot) line up with the dot on the #3 cam.

All timing marks should now be alligned exactly as in the diagram below:

http://x402.putfile.com/4/10520111672.jpg

The picture below shows the cams now properly installed. Note that the mark on the pinion gear is still pointing directly at the center of the #2 cam.

http://x402.putfile.com/4/10520133636.jpg