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Help! -- Timing question

lazygoodan

New member
Well, I've done it this time. I am in the process of changing the alternator belt/pulley system on my '95 R1100RS over to the new non-adjustable style, and I can't get the engine to run properly. It won't idle and backfires when I try to run it.

Evidently, the old adjustable-style belt is not available anymore, so I had to buy the kit to change over, which includes a new belt, a new upper pulley (that runs off the alternator) and a new lower pulley (that runs off the crank). Also included is the ignition timing device (a stamped cup with a notch cut out of it so the electronic ignition can sense a revolution of the crank).

With the old lower pulley, the timing device was welded to the lower pulley. There is a keyway in the crank pulley, and a small tab on the timing device that goes into the keyway. You line up the tab to the keyway as you install the pulley and your bike is good to go.

Unfortunately, the new pulley and timing device are separate and you have to GLUE (yes, I said glue) the timing device to the pulley before you install it. The first three times I tried installing the pulley, I didn't bother to glue the timing device to the pulley. There is nothing assymetrical about the pulley itself, so as long as the notch on the timing device was located to the crank keyway, I figured I was OK. After that didn't work, I tried gluing the timing device to the pulley, but it still coughs and spits when I start it. I also tried putting the old pulley back on for kicks, and it STILL runs poorly.

I'm stumped. I'm going to call the dealer today to see if they have any insight, but this seems so simple and yet the engine will not run correctly. I even tried disconnecting the battery in hopes of resetting the computer, but that didn't work, either.

Has anyone ever taken this lower pulley off for any reason? How did you keep the engine from turning as you re-installed the pulley? I have tried putting the trans in gear and holding the rear brake. I also tried using an impact wrench. My next try will be to set the bike to TDC and put a drill bit in the flywheel hole on the LH side of the bike to hold the engine.

I did remove the fuel take to remove the shock so you could get the upper pulley off the bike, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. I reinstalled everything like it came apart as far as I can tell.

Any help is appreciated. It supposed to be nice this week and I'd like to ride my motorcycle!
 
Are you sure that the throttle cable is seated correctly in its holders? Check the right-hand throttle body....sometimes the act of lifting the gas tank will dislodge the cable from the adjuster, and the sync gets so far out of whack that the bike won't run right. I would check that first.
 
Help -- Timing Question

Thanks, jdiaz. I'll check the throttle cable tonight when I get home.

I also read more in my Hayne's manual and I'm worried that I may have bumped the sensor plate. If so, I think I'll have to take it to the dealer.
 
THANKS!!!

Jon,

Thanks again for the tip. Sure enough, the RH throttle cable had come unseated. She purrs like a kitten now.

I owe you one.

Now to figure out where to ride this weekend....
 
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