I have a question about valve timing. If during the process of valve shim adjustment I take the belts off (having marked them at the appropriate points next to the dots on the case and flywheels) does it matter if I have spun the cams (to move the rocker sideways to remove the shims) as long as when I put the belts back on all the dots and marks line up? Or put it another if the dots line up could it still be 180 degrees out or something like that? Hope this question makes sense. Thanks Simon
So long as the crank has not been moved, then you are absolutely correct about the camshaft positioning. Just put them back to where the marks line up and you'll be fine. The vertical cam invariably spins during belt renewal at some point, as it is right on the point of opening, unless you have a fancy locking tool. Good on ya for having a go, with practice it's not really that hard, just time consuming. Think of all that money you're saving too
Even if you turn the crank all you have to is line up the dot on the bottom pulley with the line on the engine cover to re-establish the timing.
Why mark the belts? Ive seen this practice on YouTube videos and have never used this method ever(I've owned and serviced dukes since 1989) as long as the timing dots/marks are in the correct position then fit the belt and tension!(I've never refitted a belt,if it's off it stays off and is replaced with a new one)?
I've never felt a need to mark the belts either, although on the Testastretta engines, unless you are using a cam locking tool, it's a good idea to mark the cam pulleys.
