[Dust Devil]

The end with the sprocket goes on the side with the chain.

[Asmith]

The end with the sprocket goes on the side with the chain.

Profound...

[Dust Devil]

Hey, sometimes the obvious gets overlooked.

[[email protected]]

Ignore the owners maual compression release clearance spec.
Back out the decompressor adjustment screw an 8th turn at a time until the starter won't turn over the motor, instead you wil here a "clank".
Then turn the screw in an 8th at a time until the starter will turn over the motor, and you're done.
If uou use the manuals clearance specified you will be down about 10% on compression, not a good thing.
Both myself and SIV went through this.
Neither of us had to make any changes in valve clearance either.
Other than that follow the service manual about removing and replacing the camshaft. Doug

[xman]

I agree with what Doug said, except, before putting the bike all back together after your decompressor adjustment, take the extra few minutes and perform a compression test as per the manual and make sure you have it at max compression (58 psi). It's an extra little step than can save you a lot of grief.

Also before you get started, go down to your local stealership or auto parts store and buy a quality engine assembly lube. The last thing you want to happen is to gawl the cam journals due to lack of lube during startup and adjustment.

[SoylentGreen]

Here are the specs on the cams:

STAGE 1 CAM
INTAKE 9.6MM 237 DURATION @1MM
EXHAUST 8.7MM 268 DURATION @1MM

STAGE 2 CAM
INTAKE 10.1MM 248 DURATION @1MM
EXHAUST 8.7MM 268 DURATION @1MM

[xman]

I just picked up a Stage 2 on Ebay. Any tips or advice on the istallation process?

If you run into any problems, PM me and I'll try to help you out..as long as it's not on the weekend. (I don't go on the computer on the weekends)

[gprodick]

I just picked up a Stage 2 on Ebay. Any tips or advice on the istallation process?

If you run into any problems, PM me and I'll try to help you out..as long as it's not on the weekend. (I don't go on the computer on the weekends)

Thank you all for your advice and Stuck in Vegas for your gracious offer of assistance.

Why the compression test? If the valves have the proper clearance, why would there be a compression change related to a cam swap? Or, are you just saying that it's a good time to make sure the compression is okay, as there will be additional pressure due to the increased mixture?

[xman]

I just picked up a Stage 2 on Ebay. Any tips or advice on the istallation process?

If you run into any problems, PM me and I'll try to help you out..as long as it's not on the weekend. (I don't go on the computer on the weekends)

Thank you all for your advice and Stuck in Vegas for your gracious offer of assistance.

Why the compression test? If the valves have the proper clearance, why would there be a compression change related to a cam swap? Or, are you just saying that it's a good time to make sure the compression is okay, as there will be additional pressure due to the increased mixture?

Due to the decompressor adjustment. This is a critical part of the assembly process. If not adjusted correctly, it will run, but you will not get the power the cam has to offer. Trust me, it's something you want to nail first time out.

[[email protected]]

take the extra few minutes and perform a compression test as per the manual and make sure you have it at max compression (58 psi)

Duh, I can't believe I didn't think of that step, good idea.

Trust me, it's something you want to nail first time out

Do trust us. If not ,you'll be down 8 pounds of compression and be really bummed out.
The decompressor clearance is a part of setting your valves,and with a HotCam the factory clearance they tell you to set on that exhaust valve is wrong. It never allows that exhaust valve to shut, and down goes your compression.
HotCams wil tell you the same thing. Doug

[gprodick]

Okay. I understand what you guys are saying. I'm assuming the 58 psi figure is with the decompressor activated, as 58 psi doesn't sound like much compression. Doesn't Hot Cams provide a new figure for the decompressor clearance in their instructions?

What sort of decompressor clearance did you end up with after you installed your cam? Obviously, it's larger than with the stock cam.

This is exactly why I asked the installation question in the beginning. Again, thanks for you responses.

[Mikie1]

Great comments on the cams. Sounds like the Stage II is the way to go.

I'm having trouble understanding why the factory decompressor clearance settings wouldn't be adequate. .025- that sounds like a LOT. And you're saying it needs MORE?

Why does it need to be more with this cam? Is it because of the increased valve lift, it never has a chance to shut the valve at cranking speeds? Once the motor is started & at even a very low idle, isn't the auto decompressor completely out of the picture-- i.e., not even touching the rocker arm?

Just want to get a clear picture, as I'm planning on putting in a different cam. Haven't decided between a Stage II or stock R cam ('05); also, from what I understand, desert guys like the stock '02 cam. I LOVED my '02 motor, so if I can get my X to run like that I'll be a happy camper.

Oh yeah; so far: airbox cut (top only), backfire screen removed, 48 pilot, 168 main, needle in 4th slot, stock airscrew 1-5/8 out, 65 leak jet. Stock header, FMF factory 4 w/ quiet insert & spark arrestor. Very crisp throttle response, only a tiny bit of decel popping, but lacks the "punch" my '02 had. Hoping the cam will do it.

Comments?

[gprodick]

As Mikie1 notes, the stock decompressor clearance is large and it does not function, except at the lowest cranking speeds. Additionally, the HotCams specs for lift and duration are the same on the Stage 1 and Stage 2 cams for the exhaust valves. The difference is for the intakes. I'm not sure what the specs are for the stock cam exhaust. Are they that much different than the HotCams?

Like Mikie, I'm just trying to figure this out.

[xman]

I would have to refer you to HotCams for that answer. All I can tell you is that if you do NOT adjust the decompressor, it will either not start, or run very weak after the cam install. We are simply trying to give you the benefit of our own experience. Take it for what it's worth. I wish I had this information when I installed mine. I killed my starter and had to replace it due to this situation. Some others that installed Stage 1's and 2's had to replace there starters as well, although most of them won't admit to it.
There is a difference on the exhaust side of the Hot Cam as opposed to the stock cam. Unfortunately, I do not have that info on me at this time.

[gprodick]

Stuck in Vegas - Believe me, I'm all ears. I hear what you guys are saying. I know, it is what it is. Just trying to figure out why it is.

I have no desire to replace another starter motor. I just did that. That's a whole other story.