Decompression cable clearance

am I correct in assuming this is the position the L-shaped thingie should have when the decompression handle is fully pulled?

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huh? if the cable is pulled, it can't have any clearance. what they are saying is to work properly, there needs to be a small amount of clearance (similar to setting a cable clutch lever) when the cable is at rest to keep the actuator above the exhaust rocker from constantly banging into it. the 2mm (or thereabouts) is the distance the arm moves before it touches the rocker.
2 problems arise when adjusting them: 1) the cable housing is not anchored to anything and if it binds anywhere in its travel to the "L-shaped thingie" it can keep tension and eliminate your freeplay. pull the cable housing up and secure it as it goes past the radiator so it doesn't move. 2) if you try to adjust it when your exhaust valves are down, there will be negative clearance when it comes back up, causing the aforementioned damage. so make the adjustment at tdc to be safe.
after getting it where you think its right, start the engine and gently pull in on the lever until you feel it oscillating, there should be a small gap and no oscillating when its released.

lantz said:

Way to look like an idiot on my first post on these forums!

Thanks again!

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Don't be too hard on yourself, I still look like an idiot and this is my 179th post!

lantz said:

Greetings chaps,

Just recently bought myself a '02 fs 650. The/a previous owner had removed the decompression handle and cable and I'm now putting it back on. On page 22/figure 9D of the '02 users manual it shows a 2mm +- 1mm minimum clearance for the decompression cable, am I correct in assuming this is the position the L-shaped thingie should have when the decompression handle is fully pulled? Just figured I'd double check because the manual says that too low a clearance can cause engine damages!

And a totally different thing, I read somewhere here that kicking/e-starting the engine with the spark plug out but not grounded could cause damage. Exactly what could this damage? I've been searching but can't seem to find the same thread again!

Thanks!
/Lantz

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Kicking over without the plug grounded can cause damage to the CDI (very expensive and hard to come by now adays). I dont know how true it is, but I am not willing to find out :wink: