Crankshaft timing marks 180 degrees out

[dogshome]

Adjusting the tappets on my 83 R65 for the first time was interesting. The OT mark is at BDC. I took the plugs out and watched the pistons whilst moving the engine in gear using the back wheel.

Apparently the PO had a clutch problem in 1987 and BMW replaced it (and/or flywheel). I am sure they got it 180 degrees out, although my friend says it is is not possible when replacing the clutch(only) since there is a pin.

I set the tappets by watching for both valves closed at TDC on each side. This is fine, I can see the valves close, the piston at TDC and the clearances are as expected.

I haven't checked the ignition timing(impossible) and the bike feels fine. I guess it's been fine for a few decades 

I have no reason to strip it down as she's running great. I would like to confirm the ignition timing though. Does anyone have a mm before TDC or other means of static (or dynamic W/O a timing mark) measurement means?

[mrclubike]

What i would do is take it apart an remount the flywheel/clutch carrier in the proper position and lube the clutch splines while your at it
Unless you know for sure the splines have been serviced recently

But you can always make  a piston stop and a degree wheel and find TDC that way
Then you could make a pointer and mark the front of the slip  rings  with Timing marks

[Tony Smith]

Ha Ha.

When my R100 was still new and under warranty it developed a rear main seal leak. BMW agreed to replace the seal and the clutch under warranty. A few months later I went to do a service and discovered the same things as the OP.

Contacted the dealership that did the warranty work and they were affronted - their factory trained mechancis could not make a mistake like that, the problem was I didn't know how to set the timing marks.

We agreed that I would deliver the bike for inspection - their mistake they fix, my mistake I would pay for their time.

The mechanic popped the timing plug and fiddled around for a few minutes, becoming more and more cantankerous as time passed. Eventually he came over to me and the dealer and said "we had an off day - he is right".

Victory was so sweet.