Timing Question New Member

[bhschn]

Hello everyone, I am about to change my timing belts on my 81 GL 1100, I see on the link that a 12mm spanner wrench is needed, is this true or will a socket wrench work also, and I see they say the timing could change a couple of degrees so how do you retime it after the belts are on, also what kind of oil do you use, thanks for your help this site is great and every wing owner should learn about it, I found a 81 gl 1100 in some guys barn that had been sitting for 10 years and only had 23000 miles on her so I picked it up for $500 and a little cleaning and some 0000 steel wool and wow it's ready to go, Thanks again.

[hmratbam]

Howdy bhschn,Welcome to NGW! A "spanner" Is what the guys on the other side of the pond call a wrench. Sure a socket will work if you can get it in there. The timing on an 1100 is not adjustable, so turn the motor over gently by hand after you change the belts. If you somehow miss by a tooth or two the valves will hit the pistons! Look in Randal's how to's the procedure is the same for 1k's and1100's except for adjusting the timing.
God bless!
Ron

[octane]

Hello everyone, I am about to change my timing belts on my 81 GL 1100, I see on the link that a 12mm spanner wrench is needed, is this true or will a socket wrench work also, and I see they say the timing could change a couple of degrees so how do you retime it after the belts are on, also what kind of oil do you use, thanks for your help this site is great and every wing owner should learn about it, I found a 81 gl 1100 in some guys barn that had been sitting for 10 years and only had 23000 miles on her so I picked it up for $500 and a little cleaning and some 0000 steel wool and wow it's ready to go, Thanks again.

Hi Bhschn. WELCOME to the forum!

The reason you need an off-set spanner on the early GL1000,
is that right next to the generator bolt cap
there is the mounting thingy for the kick-starter:


..so there is no room for a socket.
I have no clue how it would work on a 1100.

The thing about the timing (on the GL1000 !)is to be understood this way:
...as the timing belts, after years of use, expand
(gets longer) this will alter the (ignition)timing,
as this will change the relative position
of the crank-shaft-pulley and the valve/ignition-shaft pulley.
So you adjust the timing (while the old belts are on,)
and then later you put on new belts:
these belts are (slightly) shorter, so now you are OUT of proper timing,
and need to adjust according to the new and "shorter" belts.



Did I say WELCOME?
Ohh, yes I did.
.-)

[HAWKWING]

Welcome bhschn!

While you're in there changing belts, check to make sure crankshaft and camshaft pulleys are well secured to their respective shafts. Just take care not to turn the shafts much out of alignment. I think the manual says the crankshaft can be turned 90 degrees either direction to avoid interference. There are several good threads here on the subject. . . Octane's timing belt thread will take you just where you want to go- see the How-to section of the site. If you need help, the NGW folks are ready to help.

[HAWKWING]

Don't get too frustrated when you run in to more problems. Remember, your bike has been idle for 10 years! Be patient! Check out Randakk's immensely helpful techtips site for steps to follow in bringing your treasure back to life. Pay careful attention to his advice . . . I think you'll be happy with the results.

[bhschn]

Got the belts on tonite, nice and smooth just like the article said, guess I am ready to ride, I already rebuilt the brake calipers and front and rear master cylinders, new tires and cleaned the carbs, changed the rear differencial oil, all that is left is to jump on it and put on some miles, oh yeah and a new speedo cable and choke cable, thanks for all the help this is one great site and I hope I can help somebody out some day with advise, Thanks Again