Timing Frustration!

supr2nr · #1 05-03-2008, 09:31 AM

Okay just a quick question here for all the guys that have tried to time their machines. Who here has tried to get the timing mark to stand perfectly right up in the timing hole when trying to time your beast? I have come to the conclusion that it's just impossible. Now pyro, before you say it

. I know I should get an electronic ignition to fix the problem, and I will after this, just need to save money now. But, seriously this can't be the way they left the factory with the stinkin timing mark fluctuating everywhere when you try to time it.

And even the slightest adjustment with the points and the timing mark is gone. I have never worked with something this touchy.

Edit: I should also bring up another good tip for people that haven't ever done this procedure on their machine. Pay a few bucks to J&P Cyles and buy a clear timing hole plug to use when your timing. Otherwise you will have oil all over yourself, your gun, and the garage floor.

piniongear · #2 05-03-2008, 03:34 PM

Yes it can be a trying experience sometimes. Use the plastic plug.
Sometimes it works well to be looking off from one side to see the mark. You almost have to do this anyway because the timing light is right in front of you.

The mark disappears so quickly because of excessive movement of the timing plate. It takes very little to make the mark move.
Here is a little something to ease the pain:
As long as the mark is in view somewhere inside the hole, you have it nailed. The mark does not have to be straight up and down centered dead in that hole.
If you insist on having it centered, then get it as close as you can.
Is the mark to far forward? To fix that, you just open the points gap up by another .001. In effect this will put a slight advance on the timing.
Is the mark showing to the right of center? Then close down the points gap by .001. This retards the spark advance.
All that ain't necessary though as long as the mark is somewhere in the hole......pg

supr2nr · #3 05-03-2008, 05:03 PM

Thank you very much PG.....again. I honestly believe that people on this board should start taking up some money for you for all the help you dish out around here.

Have a good one.

pyro · #4 05-05-2008, 08:47 AM

I am deffinatly a believer in electronic ignition but toadd towhat PG said, the timing plate itselfalso has a bit of slop in the guide holes for the mounting screws. What I figured out was happening was that when I went to twist the plate, it didn't just twist but also shifted, which threw out the piont gapand needed to be reset every time I adjusted the timing plate. So the routine was...
1. adjust timing and lock down the plate
2. adjust point gap
3. check for timing mark
4. repeat 1-3 for several hours
5. curse, drink a frosty adultbeverage, repeat 1-3 for a few more hours
6. give up and conceid that it's an old harley and it is what it is.
7. (optional) get electronic ignition, slap the plate in in the middle of the adjustment range, check for timing mark again and see the results you where hopingto seewith the mechanical and go ride.

One more thing, and this is especially important if you have taken the weights out to inspect them and see if they're sticking or worn out, make sure that the weights are not running accentric (off axis). That will deffinately mess up the timing.

Good luck
Rich