Can cam chain skip a tooth?

[motoman878]

Hi,
I am wondering if it possible to skip a tooth on the cam?
The bike ran before and started pretty easily.
Carbs are clean and have been reset, the electrical has been gone over, seems to be fine but won't fire. Every once and a while it will back fire. Not always.
I have tried starting fluid through the carbs and nothing.
All I can figure is timing is out by a tooth. Or stretched?
I am hoping to avoid pulling the motor.

I'd appreciate any thoughts?
Thanks in advance

 

[xjwmx]

Probably not, but should be easy to check from the outside. Line up timing marks and the right? side of of the camshaft under the cover has a hole in it that should be vertical.

 

[gggGary]

If it has points try swapping wires. A "backfire only" often means the points are firing the wrong side.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Here's Fossi's experience:

http://www.xs650.com/threads/sucking-air-through-exhaust-blowing-out-through-carburettors.45517/

 

[motoman878]

If it has points try swapping wires. A "backfire only" often means the points are firing the wrong side.

It's running pma and Pamco.

 

[gggGary]

Confirm TDC and timing.
hint; you can run a timing light on the e-start (or even kick) with plugs out and grounded.
Try running the Pamco off a battery if you are cap only.

 

[CoconutPete]

And keep an eye on the dial of the timing light. Certain careless individuals (like CoconutPete) have been known to knock the advance dial and scratch his head for a few days wondering how the bike even ran with the timing like that.