Timing a 1985 GS450L

[Dropsix]

I have a manual but I’m still confused, so apologies in advance.

so I thought I had top dead center with the mark on the engine case but when I’d turn the motor over slowly by hand, the valves would hit the pistons. cylinder 1 Specifically. So I’m scratching my head and looked around all over google images and found a line or maybe even a T on the left trigger.

I’m just looking for confirmation for the timing mark and if it’s actually the one on the engine cover (top left), wtf is wrong with my valves? Is it possible a 2.50 shim could be causing the piston to hit it? That seems crazy to me

also, the manual does say to line up the right cylinder at TDC with the mark.

thanks!

 

[Dropsix]

If anyone is reading, all the valves are within spec now. Timing still doesn’t work so something is off.

 

[Dropsix]

And finally, manual is wrong. My model and year does not use the mark on the case.

case closed!

 

[Brodie]

Glad you sorted it. For interest sake, where is the correct mark used for timing on you bike?
Might help others in the future. Photos are always good.

 

[Dropsix]

Glad you sorted it. For interest sake, where is the correct mark used for timing on you bike?
Might help others in the future. Photos are always good.

Definitely. The Clymers manual is missing info which is what threw me.

Where the ^%$#@! is TDC?
http://www.bwringer.com/gs/tdc.html

This thread was also helpful
https://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?215076-Is-this-TDC&highlight=Timing+Mark

 

[crazypj]

Clymer manuals are OK for total novices if they happen to have the exact model that was used for tear-down and pictures but they leave out way too much information on any later modifications or upgrades.
Haynes are generally a little better but not by a whole lot although they may have updates in later printings

 

[crazypj]

The picture shows correct timing mark for the later GS,you line it up with trigger and not the mark at 11:00 o'clock on case. Suzuki also had a model where there was a pressed tin piece with the correct timing mark (at least in Britain)