74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
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74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
Hi, hope some of you guys can help. I've been trying to adjust the ignition timing on my Ironhead today. Whatever I do I cant seem to get the points to open at the same time as the scribed mark on the flywheel is central in the viewing hole.
My manual says "with the engine stationary, turn the contact breaker cam CLOCKWISE to ensure the advance unit is in the fully advanced position". Surely the manual is wrong and to fully advance the mechanism you would need to turn it counter clockwise ? Am I wasting my time trying to do it statically or should I use a strobe gun instead ? I will be picking up a new set of contact breaker points tomorrow. Any help/ advice /tips would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance (no pun intended).
Pasc.
My manual says "with the engine stationary, turn the contact breaker cam CLOCKWISE to ensure the advance unit is in the fully advanced position". Surely the manual is wrong and to fully advance the mechanism you would need to turn it counter clockwise ? Am I wasting my time trying to do it statically or should I use a strobe gun instead ? I will be picking up a new set of contact breaker points tomorrow. Any help/ advice /tips would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance (no pun intended).
Pasc.
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
I always adjusted the points for the correct gap on both lobes, then placed the backing plate in about the center of the slotted holes. This gets you close enough to use a timing light. None of my manuals even describes the static timing for '71 & later models, except for what I described above. They do describe the static procedure of manually advancing the cam, and using a light to set it, for earlier models. And even then they say it is approximate and for emergency use only, until the strobe light can be used. After I set mine with a strobe, I'd scribe the backing plate and use it for a starting reference position the next time I adjusted it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: New Jersey
RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
Try this:adjust the points first, make sure your on front cylinder firing mark,yes ,you must turn the cam clockwise and lock it in place with the special tool or use a washer slightly larger than the post the bolt goes in and rotate it fully clockwise,snug the bolt.insert a piece of cigarrett paper in the closed points,and rotate the plate untill the paper just can be pulled free.
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RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
That's the confusing part. My manual instructs to turn and lock the cam clockwise, but at rest the cam is already fully clockwise. To fully advance mine it will only turn anti-clockwise. The cam also runs in an anti-clockwise direction when running so turning anti-clockwise to advance the spark makes sense. I have presumed that the manual is wrong (it's only a Haynes) and set the timing staticallly and everything seems to be fine, starts and runs well. I tried setting it with a timing gun and clear crankcase plug but that seemed more trouble than it was worth, all I could see was an oil tsunami through the crankcase plug.
Thanks again,
Pasc.
Thanks again,
Pasc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
LOL, I never had much luck with the clear timing plugs, either. Finally just started leaving them off and taking an oil bath when I timed my Sporty and my Shovel.
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RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
Yeah tried it without the plug but ended up looking like an oil rig maintainance guy for a week. Seriously though, someone told me to dry the oil of the timing mark on the flywheel and paint a little Tip Ex over the mark, leave to dry then time as normal. The mark is supposed to make it a little easier to view. I've yet to try it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
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From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
LOL, you oughtta see the workover rig guys around here. They'll be working a shallow well that pumps less than 10 barrels a day, and be completely covered in oil, grease, dirt, and sweat. Lousy job.
I'd forgotten about the "paint the timing mark" trick. It'll help.
I'd forgotten about the "paint the timing mark" trick. It'll help.
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RE: 74 Ironhead ignition timing problems.
Thanks again Skip. I'm gonna try the paint trick as soon as the genny comes back from repair. It's running well at the moment but I'd like to try and get the timing dialed in with a gun.
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