Quick Question on Cam Timing

[Adam R]

Ok, I think I've lined everything up properly, the two cams face each other at
the timing mark, with the cam chain properly tensioned, and the 2 Arrow on exhaust cam sprocket faces directly up with the 3 Arrow on the intake cam sprocket 18 links apart.  Everything looks as it should according to manual and Bob Broussards instructions.  Except that I have to hold the 19mm wrench to keep the crank at the timing mark on the ignition pick-up.  Is this normal, due to the left exhaust cam lobe putting pressure on the chain?

I really don't want to screw this up.

Thanks,

Adam R

[Adam R]

I just need confirmation on this, and I'll be ready to bolt it back together

[JamesG]

you have reached the point where you use the Zen of cam timing grasshopa'.


With the cams still loose, line up the crank timing mark, and the two cam's timing marks, and the correct chain spacing. Slowly start tightening down on the cam holders.
What I like to do is right after getting the holder bolts started and before the cam starte to put pressure on the vavle, is that I let the cam chain tensioner out just a little so that it takes up the really loose slack in the chain.
Ok, once you are back to drawing down the cam holders, watch the cams and crank. Its ok if that exhaust cam slips, most often it does. As long as ALL of them (cams & crank) turn the same amount and nothing slips the chain, it doesn't matter.
Once you've got the holder's torqued. Rotate the crank back to its timing mark and check the cams. If they are still about right (there is some slop) you should be good to go.  Rotate the engine around a couple of times to make sure.

ta da!