I did this for my valve clearance inspection. I am installing a manual cam chain tensioner now and I would like to start by finding Top Dead Center of the Compression Stroke. As recommended in one tutorial I have looked at online:
"Get the piston on top dead center of the compression stroke. This is done to ensure that there is no load on the cam chain."

I Know how to find TDC with the crankshaft rotor but AFAIK, the only way to be sure it is TDC of the COMPRESSION stroke and not TDC of the EXHAUST stroke is to view the cam shafts under the valve cover.

Is there any way to be sure TDC of the compression stroke is reached without taking off the valve cover to view the camshafts?

Yeah but it requires you to remove the fuel tank.

Fuel tank? No problem.

I think you're pulling my leg, though.

Not at all bud!

Remove tank and the left hand air box inspection door. With the key off, pin open your throttle and manually open your secondaries if installed. Now, with a flashlight, you can see right down thru the TB to your #1 cylinder intake valves.

After you've done the above, turn the crank 90 degrees. Are your intake valves on #1 open? If yes, then continue to turn crank until the 1-4 mark is as your photo... you will then be at TDC of the compression stroke. If no, turn the crank further until like photo, then one more full rotation.

Viola.

Where'd you go dude?

I'm here.

manually open your secondaries if installed.

...but since I have NO flies...I should be able to just turn the throttle wide open to look down there, correct?

Absolutely.

How're we doing here bud? You're usually more communicative... everything OK? If you have questions I'm more than happy to talk one on one, just PM me.

Cool thanks, Z. Gotcher PM.

I'm caring for the kids this weekend. You wanna go fucking NUTS???? try wrenching and chasing after kids at the same time.... hahahah, I get a little frantic. Get bug-eyed and go into conniptions....freak the kids out...they shut the hell up but not really worth it if I pop a vessel!! so I have a soccer game and church and a first communion party to go to tomorrow. Sunday, just grilling big pork loin on the rotisserie! Hopefully the kids will let me wrench a bit.

I'll def go through the extra work of taking a look down the flyhole if that is how to positively ascertain TDC. Yes indeed, that sounds absolutely fascinating!

Got wheels to get on the bike first and I'm having a front brake concern. ...if you know about that, I also have this thread going in Performance Upgrades...

http://zx14ninjaforum.com/messages.cfm?threadid=5743CE6B-1372-66AE-3B24F0C4E13C2E58

but we'll return to this thread with in a few days. Appreciate the help, hagrid

I'll def go through the extra work of taking a look down the flyhole if that is how to positively ascertain TDC.

This way is much easier IMO and doesn't necessitate replacing a bunch of gaskets like removing the valve cover would.
To be honest, I can't see why APE wants the #1 cylinder at TDC of the compression stroke... #4 will be TDC of the exhaust stroke at the same time. What's the difference if you remove the OEM tensioner 360 degrees from where they say to do it?

There isn't any, as far as I can tell. BUT, if APE says to do it then I suppose you better do it.

* Last updated by: hagrid on 4/27/2013 @ 3:02 AM *

To be honest, I can't see why APE wants the #1 cylinder at TDC of the compression stroke... #4 will be TDC of the exhaust stroke at the same time. What's the difference if you remove the OEM tensioner 360 degrees from where they say to do it?

This procedure is not /APEraceparts instruction, it is suggested in a tutorial written by someone else. However APE endorses the technique by putting a link to the tutorial on their website. It's for a Honda CFR 450.

CFR 450 APE INSTALL

Get the piston on top dead center of the compression stroke. This is done to ensure that there is no load on the cam chain. You will know that the piston is on TDC of the compression stroke when none of the valves are being opened AND the timing mark on the cam sprocket is lined up with the arrow cast in the head (see picture at left.)

The concern seems to be to set the cam chain at a position that is least likely to jump time. The tutorial for this R1 seems to address the same concern (see 0:00-0:39). They find TDC but there does not seem to be any particular regard to what stroke any certain cylinder is on.

Do you think I am just as well to take the crank sensor cover off and turn the shaft clockwise to ANY TDC?? Does it really matter if it is compression, or exhaust? As you say when one is at TDC of compression the other is TDC of exhuast anyway.

Thanks for info, hagrid..I asked Schnitz but he didn't get back to me this time. Must be busy racing. He always was good about returning emails in the past.

* Last updated by: Rook on 4/27/2013 @ 7:49 AM *

Well... after seeing the video it would appear you simply need to set the crank like in your photo.

Two things: 1) while the engine has no tensioner do not turn the crank. 2) as per the video, after installing the APE and preloading the tension, turn the crank two revolutions by hand... slowly. If by chance you jumped time you will feel the engine bind.

Two things: 1) while the engine has no tensioner do not turn the crank.

2) as per the video, after installing the APE and preloading the tension, turn the crank two revolutions by hand... slowly. If by chance you jumped time you will feel the engine bind.

I haven't heard of people having trouble settting their APEs. It's such a common mod.

Well... after seeing the video it would appear you simply need to set the crank like in your photo.

I think I'm set for takeoff on the TDC. Thanks there hagrid.

BTW, see the Carrazzeria thread for latest. You were right.