Question on adjusting the valves after setting timing again (new cam)

[r00st]

So I am putting my build back together (so head/cam were out). I set the timing so the Hash mark was lined up with the small plug mark, and the sprocket mark was at the very tippy top of the head (the little point it lines up with).

I know all the valve checking guides say to set the timing mark in the small plug hole lined up with the dash (or the "I"). But...I find when I get it right close to the I (cant even get it in sight of the window), it gets so close to the top it automatically spins the ratchet. I cant get it close to the hatch mark...

So... I am worried since I cant get it directly to show top dead center that I should not be setting the valves until I get it on TDC...Am I right?

I am wondering if my timing is not set up right? Should I be able to keep the TDC dash in the site window without it wanting to spin back down?

I can get it so that the intake side is loose and the exhaust is tight (and of course the opposite if I keep spinning) but im worried that since I get get it to one SET area (ie...the "I" dash) that its not going to accurately set the valves.

Do I have a pretty good window of play to adjust the valves? As in, when one side is tight and the other is loose, am I ok in adjusting them to within spec? Or will one side be a little loose or a little tight because its not on the "I" dash mark? I am thinking I am ok doing this because the valves are open/closed for the duration of a stroke, right?

Sorry its late and I am running on too little sleep...any help is greatly appreciated!!!!!

[09RappySE]

If you have not removed the spark plug, that is your problem, with it in the head you will have trouble getting it to stay at TDC.

[1badazz_700r]

also you can be one tooth off on the cam gear. if your on the "I" mark on the crank and the mark on the gear and head dont line up, pull the gear off and loosen the chain. then line them up and re assemble.

[Diggs59]

Yup, listen to these guys..

[r00st]

The plug is out, I remembered to do that as soon as I was fighting the compression lol.

09RappySE: You have a PM!

Also, the "I" on the case lines up with mark on the sight hole- and at the same time the "I" on the cam gear is point straight up to the little "peak" at the top of the head.

The little peak on the top of the head is where the cam gear mark is supposed to line up with right?

It just seems like my timing is off if I cannot get it to stay on TDC..... Is it harmful at all to spin the crank clockwise once it over spins where I want to be? Or would it just do the same thing going the opposite way?

[Pldbryan]

It is pretty common that mark on the cam gear and the peak of the cylinder are not perfectly lined up.  Mine seems to let the cam mark move past the peak just a little bit. 
If I pull it one tooth back to try to align it, I am one tooth off.

[r00st]

Is it 100% necessary to check the valves at TDC? Why not BDC? Wouldnt it serve the same purpose? Or do you just check at TDC so you know exactly where in the stroke the piston is to make it consistent?

When I turn the motor counter clockwise I can just feel the tension get lighter and lighter and I know the TDC mark is coming up but it just flies past and dissapears lol.

Can I turn the motor back clockwise to try and get it back to TDC after it does this or is that not a good idea?

[KDH123]

get the rear wheels off the ground, put the bike in gear and you can turn it by spinning the rear wheels slowly. I just did mine, and thats how I did it because I could not find my tool to take off the crank cap.

[tonyrt44]

I never had any problems setting the TDC.

Just don't used the ratchet.

I found that  using a nut breaker will help me control the crank, rather than it automatically spins a ratchet