Help with camshafts and timing

So I've got a dissembled engine and bike for free, trying to put it back together over the summer and I've run into a bit of a challenege that so far is over my head. Was hoping you guys could take a look and either help me or send me to a repair shop lol.

Trying to put in the camshaft and do the valve timing, but I haven't done anything like this except tearing down a 2 stroke in high school, so I'm a bit lost. Plus what seems to be like the proper procedure to take the engine apart doesn't seem to have been followed. So I'm not at TDC (I think), I have no idea how to place the camshafts in properly, and I have no idea how to do the chain. Furthermore only one of the sprockets has been taken off, is that normal?

Really hoping someone just wants to take the time and walk me through it...

Here are some pictures

 

take the cams out and remove the sprockets. Get the chain on to the sprockets then slide the cams through (the right way, do you have a manual?) and seat them. Apply oil to the cam surfaces and attach the holders in your last photo in the proper position (theyre labeled, have a manual!) and torq to spec.

Line up the index markings on the cams to the marks on the holders you just put on and line up the engine to TDC. Your sprockets are still detached!

Now you must rotate the sprockets to seat in the chain so that they can be bolted back onto the cams while having the index marks lined up and the engine at TDC. It takes patience because there are few postions that allow for this and unfortuately the only way to determine it is by trial and error. Once you think you have it, bolt on the sprockets and turn the engine over a few times and check the indexes again. Chances are it will have seated itself some and will have to be done again.

I really don't suggest doing this without a shop manual, there are positioning dowels that you have to make sure are in the head or in the cam holders, and when you should put in the cam chain guide, and the torq specs, etc; plus the benefit of photos!

Other than that have fun, Lou

 

Hey thanks Lou, just went out and got the manual actually, seems perfectly in line with what you are saying. However, I'm confused about one thing, and that's the cam position. You're saying in my picture they're backwards? I can't find a good clear picture in the manual of how they should be orientated. And the diagrams seems to be opposite of the small pictures they have....

Thanks for your help!

 

no I wasnt saying they are backward, just emphasising verification of correct placement

 

I've run into a problem where the chain seems to be too short to go around both sprockets. The tensioner is removed but the tension blade still seems to be sticking out quite a bit. Could it be because of that or am I missing something? Can't find it anywhere in the manual...

Edit: Seems like i've lost some chain in the gears below, skipped maybe? How would I get the linkage back to normal?

 

from what I remember I could see inside with a flashlight well enough to tell if it was on the gear. Might be easier with the cams out to get it seated on the gear.

 

Figured it out. And I think you're going to tell me to read the book, but HARDER, lol. I have an automatic chain tensioner and only the spring was removed, not the unit. So because it ratchets out and won't go back in I didn't have enough slack. Anyway pulled it out; feel like an idiot but it's fixed! :roll:

Thanks again Lou!

 

easy mistake to make. glad it worked out.