[Blitzkrieg]

Just noticed yet another part missing off my quad, I have an 86 trx350 and 1) the dowel pin for securing the valve lifter in place into the head was not put back in so the valve lifter can be pulled out of the head at any time. 2) The decompression cable is missing altogether. My question is, does the follower lever only engage to open the valve lifter when using the kick start or does it open the valve lifter when the starter is cranking the engine too? I would assume that if the follower lever engages with the starter as well that starting the bike without the decompression cable in place would cause extra strain on the starter. However since they deleted the decompession cable after 87 and replaced it with a simple manually operated lever on the valve lifter itself maybe its not that important. Any thoughts?

 

[Helmut]

does the follower lever only engage to open the valve lifter when using the kick start or does it open the valve lifter when the starter is cranking the engine too?

Yeah, the starter don't engage the decompressor lever, just the kick starter.

However since they deleted the decompession cable after 87 and replaced it with a simple manually operated lever on the valve lifter itself maybe its not that important. Any thoughts?

I don't think it's that important because I've never really seen anybody use that lever on the 350 or the 300, which also has that manual decompressor lever, unless they're kick starting it.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Good stuff, cheapcycleparts has the cable for $16.70 so maybe I'll pick it up someday. As for the dowel pin, I could get one from work for free but I really don't want to remove the valve cover right now and get into that whole mess. I'll just check the valve lifter often and make sure it doesnt rattle loose.

 

[shadetree]

as helmut stated..the decompression lever only engages when you kick start it..it does not work when you use the elec start ..as for the dowel pin..don't worry about it..as long as you have the long main bolt stuck down through the top of the rocker box cover..and through the decompression lever..you will be ok. most ppl don't kick start these beast..as they are a pain to kick start.

 

[DiabloAmarillo]

My pin was out too, and after reading this I think I am going to close it up and leave the pin out that I found in the carb bowl from previous owner. I started reading where it will grenade your motor if and when they fall out.

well, I just could not leave it out as I had it apart , so I put the pin in where it belongs