Ok, don't please don't pound on me, I have searched the threads for 3 days but cannot find anything specific to my dilemma..... I have a 2003 stock Ultra, I pulled the rockers, push rods, lifters and cams to replace my worn out chain tensioners. Put everything back together, lined all the timimg marks up but the bike will not start. It acts like the timig is off, but I have taken it all back down 4-5 times, re-lined it all to no avail. I even tried to rotate the crank in case I was off 180 degrees (like an automobile)..... What am I missing??? I have the manual, am a decent wrench but admit I know little about the V twin from a mechanical standpoint. Bike was running great before and I didn't change anything out just went back with the stock parts except the new tensioners. Please give me some guidance so I don't have to drag this thing to the stealer and pay someone $1,000's just to fix what should be a simple thing. Thanks in advance or any help and advice!!!

(I wanted to add, do I need to get one cylinder up on TDC? The manula doesn't specify at all. When all the marks are lined up; cams and gears, should one of the cylinders be up on TDC? I know on older Chevy's you would get #1 cyl up on TDC of the firing stroke, line the timimg marks up and you were good to go. I have no clue where the pistons would be in relation to the marks being lined up on the V twin....)

 

What you mean won't start, won't turn over or?

 

It turns over but it will not run. It turns over then it will slow down, pop and such. It's just like I've seen when the timimg was off on a car engine. I'm so danged frustrated because I should know how to fix this!

 

What does the oil pressure gauge read when this is happening?

 

I didn't check that....not trying to sound dumb but what would be the reason? If I need to, I'll do it tomorrow, I'm pretty much done with it today, mentally can't take the stress...! Apparently, it's oiling since it is shooting oil out with the cam cover off.....

 

I posted this in the tech sections also. I'm close to Nashville, TN if anyone is nearby, I'd be willing to pay for their help.....

 

Pushrod adjustment? Or did you reuse the stock fixed length pushrods? --Tom

 

Thanks Tom but the pushrods aren't adjustable because it has hydraulic lifters. But, I did reuse all the stock parts. This issue has made me consider putting in adjustable pushrods so the rockers don't have to be pulled in order to service the cams, etc.

 

Well there's only one way it can be put back together. If all the marks are lined up on cams and gears, it ain't the timing. There's nothing else inside the cam chest to get screwed up. Soak the lifters in oil before re-installing? Maybe install pushrods in wrong places? Just some suggestions.

 

All internal combustion engines need 3 things to operate
1. Fuel (make sure you are getting fuel to the cylinders)
2. an ignition source to light the fuel (Make sure spark is occurring & at the correct time in the cylinder/piston/valve sequence)
3. Compression (A compression gauge will tell you or not having a gauge, remove plugs & hold a finger on the plug hole while cranking engine, you will know quickly if you have compression)

Remain calm & Good Luck