Was resetting my timing today and after I turned crank to tdc on compression I couldn't get the lite to come on even when
I turned ignition off then on there should have been a flash on the red led. I'm sitting here at work for the next 6 hours mulling over what the problem can be and it just dawned on me I have the sparkplugs sitting on the bench so plug wires are not grounded, can this be the problem?

 

Could be, however the timing cone can be in a certain position and the light may not come on. When you turn it over does it flash?? If the engine is not on the compression stroke the timing cannot be set even though you are at TDC. Hope this helps.
John

 

Never tried to turn it over John, definatly was on compression stroke, I had
My thumb over sparkplug hole.

 

Try turning it over with the ignition on and the light should flash. If not then something is wrong. Make sure you have power to the unit!!!
John

 

I can't try for a few more hours after I get home
For work but some how I'm think plug wires not grounded through spark plugs grounded to motor will make it have a problem. But I'll have to wait ti see.
I know normally you turn ignition on and the status lite will blink.

 

I feel so stupid, you were pretty much right on John, well sort of, I had kill switch off.

 

That will definetly make the ignition do that!!!! LOL Don't worry we've all had those days!!! I've been doing this long enough, that if I'm getting correct info we can probably diagnose it. Over the years we've seen, screwed up or done most of it. LOL

 

Ya but the problem now a days as we're getting older ( yep we are ) its trying to remember how we fixed the problem.

 

Yep, I get that a lot with the shovels, It's "yes I remember there was a problem and a fix for it" ------ let me think about it. If you are looking for a decent reference/help book try Donny Petersons Books. He currently has three of the twelve planned in print. Two are about the twin cam's and one is about the EVO's. The twin cam books still have a lot in them about the EVO and it's history. My wife got me the set for Christmas and after looking at them I was very, very impressed, great books for both the neophyte and expert alike, they are well worth the cost!!!!
John

 

[size=16px]I have an 88 FXR that keeps burning up my ignition modules should I change over to a external ignition module? Or spend a lot more money on a more advanced internal ignition module[/size]