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I've had a narrow case 250 for years but it's only recently that I've been looking at the engine more carefully (put me in the "if it isn't broken, leave it alone" category.
I'd always thought that the piston would be at TDC on the compression stroke when the timing marks on the bevel train were aligned (although I can't find anything that supports this idea in the Clymer manual). With this engine the piston is past TDC when the timing marks are lined up (pictures attached).
Is this normal or do I have a problem?
The engine runs fine in this condition although the top end is a little noisy.
Comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
Regards,
Phil

I've also noticed that on my 350 - not quite at TDC. Dunno why.

As long as valve opening/closing and ignition timing is correct in relation to TDC, it doesn't matter where the dot alignment vs. piston positions falls. If the engine is simply assembled with the dots correctly aligned, cam timing could be a little off but will be close enough to run fairly well

Matt