Why 2 Timing Marks on 54 B By speedracer (Read 1,065 times)

[speedracer]

I am just curious as to why there are two marks to line up the 54B. One on the timing chain and the other just above the oil filler cap.

[widehide]

I believe the two marks must be aligned when the chain is being replaced. That is to be sure the flywheel and cam are in time.

[speedracer]

Wildhide, So what you are saying is you can't use the TDC mark above the oil cap to set the valves or set the intake valve?

[widehide]

No you can use either mark. What I was explaining was that the reason there are 2 marks is when the engine is disassembled it has to be put back together by first aligning the flywheel mark and then installing the timing chain on the sprocket with the cam timing mark aligned. Both marks must be in alignment at the same time or the engine will not run or damage will happen. Which ever mark you use be sure the piston is at top dead center.

[speedracer]

Widehide, that is good news for me. I cut out a rectangle where the battery sits and that exposes the intake valve cover. I can pull the spark plug and measure the piston when it reaches the top of the compression stroke and check the timing mark. If off just repeat the cycle, until I know I have TDC. Now I just need to find a way to remove the least amount of plastic to get to the exhaust valve. I really appreciate your help. Thanks

[ce]

Just unfasten the right side of the bottom panel and wedge a block of wood in to hold it down and you can reach all 3 bolts on the exhaust valve cover. On 1 you'll have to use a box end 8mm wrench because there's not much room.

It's easier if you elevate the front end, but you can still get under it on the center stand.

The bottom will flex quite a bit, you can drop both sides, but I just go in with only remove 3 screws.

[widehide]

speedracer, I used a dremel tool to cut the bottom skid plate completely across. removed it to allow access from the bottom. with the lower side panel removed I am able to lay down and reach in through the side to remove the valve cover. One hand through the side and one hand through the bottom to do the adjustment. It still is not easy. I hate doing it and it usually takes me 4 hrs total from start to stop. Good luck

[speedracer]

Widehide, that's a good thing to know. If you cut the battery bottom cover you will have access to the intake value. 4 hours is a long time to do a 5 minute adjustment. Anything that saves time is worth giving a shot. Thanks

[widehide]

Yes I need to do that, I have been removing the seat and upper parts to gain access to the intake valve.

[speedracer]

Widehide, all you need to do is a lip so you can place a piece of plastic or aluminum as a lid to support the battery. When it's cut out you are looking straight down at the valve cover.

[scooterran]

Now tell me how you get a gauge in there to check the settings. Do they make a gauge that is bent to set the valve "INTAKE'' ? I did cut the bottom of the battery compartment out , but still there doesn't look like there is enough room to set the valves.....

[widehide]

I did all of my adjustments with the left side lower panel removed and the cut and removed bottom skid plate. Yes it is very hard to do. I did bend the feeler gauge to get the angle I needed. This is not a project you will want to do often. A lot of dexterity is required. Good luck.

[widehide]

Oh, I did not do the version you are doing to set the intake valve. I removed the seat, the bucket under the seat and possibly something else up top to gain easy access to the intake valve. The previous statement I made was to adjust the lower exhaust valve.

[speedracer]

Doc said when I cut out the bottom of the battery cover it will expose the intake valve cover, which it does. I haven't removed the cover but I'm sure you can get a feeler gauge in there to adjust it.