When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Engine Mechanical TopicsDiscussion for motor builds, cams, head work, stripped bolts and other engine related issues. The good and the bad. If it goes round and around or up and down, post it here.
hello im new to the sight and appreciate any help/advice.
i recently was gifted my uncles garage build softail, when i got it it had sat for 2 years and i finally was able to get it running. i am looking for advice on the best tips and tricks as to adjust my timing as i feel that it is not timed properly. it has the dyna s electronic ignition system in itand the engine is a 80 ci evo motor.
notes; i have already checked the fly wheel and i dont have any markings to indicate tdc, i have adjusted and have been able to ride the bike but i still feel that it is not properly timed due to sometimes when i come up to a stop sign it starts to slightly sputer out until i give it a bit of throttle then it goes back and runs fine again. other things i know is that the top end was recently rebuilt and only has 25 miles on it. im doing the proper break in techniques that my uncle told me. (old time biker from the booze fighter era).
This link will help you to set your timing. Download the "For 70 and later Harley's PDF. downloads.aspx
Do you have a FSM to properly identify your timing marks? I have never seen a crank without marks... A straight line on the crank in the inspection hole is TDC. the 2 dots are the advanced ting marks.
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Jan 14, 2018 at 06:26 AM.
unless using a degree wheel,finding TDC isn't going to help you when setting timing with a DYNA S ignition.your looking for the 35* mark for the ft cylinder.on a evo,it will be a single dot.easies way to find it to (with the rr wheel in the air & in 5 gear) slowly crank motor until ft intake p/rod just starts going down,then start bumping rear wheel to get the mark in the window,then take a test light & connect it from the trigger side of the coil (side with blue DYNA S wire) & ground.retard the plate as far as it will go,turn on power & grab the rotor & advance it against the stop and slowly advance plate until the light comes on,thats it.tighten stays & your done
Only drawback to a Dyna S is the flyweights, but as long as the owner maintains/lubes them a semi-regular basis, they hang in pretty good.
The Dyna unit itself, however, is almost bulletproof.
Scott
yeah ive seen a few videos where the fly wheel has no marks. like i said my uncle garage built this bike using parts he came acrossed or was given. i was able to get the bike timed and it is running grea now. i had to use the old finger over the spark plug hole trick to find tdc and it worked she sounds great with the thunder header and mikuni carb. tried to post a video but was unable to do. i appreciate the responses and your knowledge.
sorry for the newb question but can you explain proper maintenance and lubing of the fly weights.
Annually inspect, Clean and Lube. They're centrifugal so they will need to open easily... Pay close attention to wear on the springs, they can break..
With the TDC mark issue, you can always advance the timing till it pings then back it off slightly till it does not ping and that will get you home no problem.....
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Jan 25, 2018 at 06:02 AM.
yeah ive seen a few videos where the fly wheel has no marks. like i said my uncle garage built this bike using parts he came acrossed or was given. i was able to get the bike timed and it is running grea now. i had to use the old finger over the spark plug hole trick to find tdc and it worked she sounds great with the thunder header and mikuni carb. tried to post a video but was unable to do. i appreciate the responses and your knowledge.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
dyna s ignition timing
