Problems after cam and head gasket swap

[MeatHammer]

I changed out the camshaft and put a thin head gasket on my x22R (69mm bore engine). I went to fire it up and it seems like I have zero compression and it is making a clanking sound when turning over. Something is definitely not right. I have timing dialed in and everything was put together by the factory service manual. Any ideas of where to start looking

[JerryHawk250]

Check the timing chain tension. I would also recheck cam timing. I always turn the engine over by hand to verify clearance before actually trying to start it.

What cam did you end up putting.

[MeatHammer]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Check the timing chain tension. I would also recheck cam timing. I always turn the engine over by hand to verify clearance before actually trying to start it.

What cam did you end up putting.

I put the cam that came with the big bore kit I bought. It’s a Chinese kit so no specs on it. When I am at tdc both valves should be closed correct?

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by MeatHammer

I put the cam that came with the big bore kit I bought. It’s a Chinese kit so no specs on it. When I am at tdc both valves should be closed correct?

Yes the both should be shut. I can't imagine you're having a valve clearance issue but depending on how aggressive the lobes are on the cam it could be possible. It could be slack in the timing chain. Check that the tensioner is actually putting tension on the chain.

[MeatHammer]

The cam definitely had a lot longer duration on both lobes. My next plan was to put the original in and see what happens

[MeatHammer]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Yes the both should be shut. I can't imagine you're having a valve clearance issue but depending on how aggressive the lobes are on the cam it could be possible. It could be slack in the timing chain. Check that the tensioner is actually putting tension on the chain.

I just looked back to the post I made about the kit I bought and you had said that the cam looked pretty aggressive. Maybe it’s too much. I am ordering a hot cam to compare it with.

[MeatHammer]

I got my Hotcam today and it is definitely very mild compared to the Chinese one I put in. Compared to the cam that came from the factory there is very little difference in duration and lift. Hopefully the hot am works and gives me some gains

[MeatHammer]

Put the Hotcam in and the bike fired right up. However, now it is making a terrible metal on metal clacking sound. Loud enough that I am afraid to let it run for any time at all. So apparently something else is wrong now. Wish I would have never started this project

[JerryHawk250]

Did you adjust the valves? Again check that there is no slack in the timing chain.

[MeatHammer]

Originally Posted by JerryHawk250

Did you adjust the valves? Again check that there is no slack in the timing chain.

I had to give up for the day. Will check that tonight. The valves should be .004 right? On the tag on the bike it says between .02 and .04. I wondered if that was just a mis print on the tag. I did check the valves the second time I tore the bike apart and they seemed to be at .004ish but if that is wrong then they are way too tight

[JerryHawk250]

Originally Posted by MeatHammer

I had to give up for the day. Will check that tonight. The valves should be .004 right? On the tag on the bike it says between .02 and .04. I wondered if that was just a mis print on the tag. I did check the valves the second time I tore the bike apart and they seemed to be at .004ish but if that is wrong then they are way too tight

I set both intake and exhaust to Honda Specs. .1mm or .004"

[JerryHawk250]

Make sure you are setting the valves on the compression stroke. I've accidentally set mine on the exhaust stroke once and man it sure was a whole lot of clanking going on. I thought I mess up something.

[Mudflap]

Any chance the head gasket is a tad too small? If its even 1 mm too small the edges of the piston can make contact.

[MeatHammer]

Originally Posted by Mudflap

Any chance the head gasket is a tad too small? If its even 1 mm too small the edges of the piston can make contact.

I am pretty sure you are correct. Pulled the head and can see a slight indentation mark on the outside edge or the combustion chamber. I am going to double up the gasket and put it back together. Thankfully I ordered a few extra (thin)head gaskets.

[MeatHammer]

It’s alive! Mudflap was right, the gasket was too thin. I doubled up the gasket and everything is working great. In fact it sounds better than before. Can’t wait to ride it again. Thanks everyone for all the help!