My CCT was so bad a taxi driver asked me what was wrong with the bike.

So I ordered a new CCT from Germany and have just put it in. But I was too eager and filled it with oil before I re-fitted the inlet cam and sprocket.

So the CCT didn't compress much when I pushed it down with a screwdriver and I couldn't get the camchain over the second sprocket (or maybe I'm just too weak).

I thought about removing the CCT to drain it, then I had an idea. I removed the cam covers, moved the cam toward the front of the engine and hooked the chain over its sprocket.

I then pulled the cam forcefully back into place on its journals and replaced the cam covers.

So far it seems to be OK...

 

I did the same thing but ran into issues when I went to set the valves. I had trouble spinning the motor. I would take it out and drain it to avoid the headache but hey if its in its in.

 

Valves?

Set?

 

When you go to set or adjust your valves to make sure they are within spec you need to spin the motor in order to check the clearances betwee the cam and the valves. When I set my cct it was too tight and I was unable to rotate the motor.

 

pmcg,
Thanks for the tip but what I meant by my 'question marks' was that I've not checked the valves for many many years.
The crankshaft turned counter-clockwise when I set the timing, the engine now sounds pretty smooth and the bike's performance is scary enough for my old bones as I ride in and out of Central London.
My attitude may not be perfectionist but I'm happy!