86 XJ700S timing plate issue

So... Getting ready to put my motor back together, and encountered a bit of goofiness.... The timing plate doesnt even line up anywhere CLOSE to where the timing pointer is. Instead it lines up pretty darn close to the pickup... The plate is installed on the slot correctly, and everything seems to be in order... It all goes on one way. Just not where it should be. Leads me to wonder if the po put the wrong plate on the bike (it was laid down on the left side, and i know the left cover was replaced) inscription on the timing plate is 29R-11. Any help is appreciated.

 

The first pic...top right area of the timing plate region where there's a gap in the plate...an empty screw hole. Are you missing a small angled bar with a notch in it? That's what I have on my XJ900. That small notched bar is where TDC should line up.

 

Yep, thats where the timing pointer goes.... However, you can see in the other pic that physically tdc is in line with the pickup coil....

 

Hmmm curious. TDC is a combination of piston position for #1 cylinder AND positioning of the camshafts. The central rotating plate should have only one position to slot into. Does it always line up TDC with the pickup? Also just wondering if your model has a different method to aligning TDC to say my 900?

 

Yea, when i line the "T" up with the pointer screwhole, the #1 piston is about 50% up. It always lines up with the pickup if i turn it a few times....

Id really like someone with a 700 airhead to weigh in on what the inscription in on their timing plate. I saw one on ebay marked 29R-10 (not 11).... But i dont really trust that.,,

 

J, you should line up the "T" for top dead center with the notch in the center of the pickup. That will be the top dead center for your #1 or #4 piston.
Yamaha eliminated the pointer on 86 models and it's shown in more detail in the supplementary section of the factory manual waaay in the back of the book.

Tony

 

Jphn,

That might make sense......the page that I showed you was from the 85 yamaha service manual----maybe the 86 one is different. The texting was just for 700 airhead, so that's what I was going with......maybe the 85 and 86 were different enough like this. It would also explain why it would still work but look different from the pics.

We'll see what others say, too......

dave

 

Thanks Tony!

It's right on page 5 of the supplement...

*Headdesk*