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Message started by JohnnyBeeGood on 03/20/17 at 20:08:01

Title: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 03/20/17 at 20:08:01

I followed instructions in my clymer manual and am having trouble finding any movement in my intake rocker arm when the mark on the shaft is lined up on the crankshaft.  I tried rotating the shaft several times before I noticed that I'm not seeing any movement of the intake valve rocker arm.  Any thoughts? Over tight valve adjustment? worn cam? My intention is to remove the top of the engine to torque head bolts and chase oil leaks.  Any insight will be appreciated.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/20/17 at 20:11:14

Clymer is bakkerds.
Rotate the crank the same way the wheels turn.

Talk about how it runs.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by Serowbot on 03/21/17 at 07:38:48

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1278347767

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 03/21/17 at 13:40:01

Thanks guys.  Turns out I have bigger problems.  Went in with better light and discovered that the cam and rocker arms aren't turning at all.  I guess I'll drain the oil, and pull the right cover and take a look at my cam chain set up.  I guess I've found why it will turn over but won't start.  Hope the damage isn't too heavy.
Thanks again. Wish me luck.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by gizzo on 03/21/17 at 14:12:07

Good luck!

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 03/28/17 at 06:17:25

It's not running, and I'm a bit apprehensive about what could have caused the cam to stop turning even though the engine rotates freely and quietly.  Now that weather has warmed up I can no longer stick my head in the sand.  It's time to dive in.  I guess the up side is that there appears to be no interference turning over the engine so I haven't smashed my piston into a valve or two.  I can't seem to find any post of others who have had this happen to their cam.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/28/17 at 06:25:21

Just pull the cam chain cover.
Draw the outline on cardboard.
X slot at each bolt hole.
Shove your bolts in and avoid the puzzle going back together.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by Dave on 03/28/17 at 06:43:17

I believe there really only a couple potential causes of your situation.

1)  The cam chain has broken, and somehow has not wedged into the sprocket at the bottom.

2)  The bolts that hold the cam gear to the cam have come out, and the sprocket is rotating on the cam.  (I really don't think this is possible, as the bolts would have rubbed on the head casting as they came out and would have made a horrible racket).

When did the bike last run?  Was it running and then suddenly stop - or did you shut the bike off after a ride......then it wouldn't start again? :-?

Where do you live?  Maybe a nearby forum member can help?

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 03/28/17 at 07:46:19

You know what you know. We don't.
The history of the bike, noises, everything.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 03/28/17 at 17:32:46

Unfortunately I didn't discover this forum until trouble struck.  It is indeed option 1 as Dave suggested and I feared.  My 27 year old daughter was riding it so I am clueless as to the preliminary noises leading up to the last thump.  The culprit was indeed a neglected cam chain tensioner. So It looks like some quality wrench time ahead.  I'll start by reading up on the forum some more.  Thanks guys for the moral support.  Is there a member list including locations of fellow thumpers?

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by Dave on 03/28/17 at 18:03:00

Yes, there is a member locator and map in the Cafe' section.

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1444445797

You can also update your member information so your city/state will shop up in your posts....near your forum name.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 04/03/17 at 05:20:23

Well its just about time to do my shopping. What suppliers do you guys like to consider.  Since there is a cam chain and adjuster involved I'm well past the free shipping threshold.  How do you tell if my bike is a t/v/w/x/y/K1 etc.?  Is that in the vin or just the model year (96 is mine).
Thanks in advance for any info shared.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by Dave on 04/03/17 at 05:28:41


5F7A7D7B7B6C577070527A7A71150 wrote:
Well its just about time to do my shopping. What suppliers do you guys like to consider.  Since there is a cam chain and adjuster involved I'm well past the free shipping threshold.  How do you tell if my bike is a t/v/w/x/y/K1 etc.?  Is that in the vin or just the model year (96 is mine).
Thanks in advance for any info shared.


You should order you cam chain from Lancer.  He has been able to get chains that are Nitrided, and are better than the OEM or aftermarket parts.
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1455475035/90

For the other parts, I use Bike Bandit.  I make up a list and wait until I get a 10% off coupon.  If you are an AMA member you can get a 5% discount anytime.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 04/03/17 at 09:21:21

Better chain for less money.  I love it. Thanks for the tip.

Title: Re: Finding Top dead center compression
Post by JohnnyBeeGood on 04/03/17 at 09:41:58

Just checked my email and found my Bikebandit anniversary 10% off coupon new in my inbox.  Impeccable timing, and its good for 30 days.

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