Are there degrees of voes failure or is it works or doesnt.

 

I would think that you could get a tiny tear in the diaphragm that could change the point at which it activates. Possible. IF you have a vacuum hand pump with a gauge you could test the switch and see how many inches vacuum activates the switch.

Just remember, soft tails are a different set point than baggers. I can't remember the numbers.

 

Your VOES can misbehave if the hoses are damaged, gone hard and split - been there!

 

Yes it works or it doesn't... what it does is it sends a ground signal to your ignition module 2 advance to full timing. I don't use it on any mind bikes except my old shovel. I installed a toggle switch for the VOES this way I only use it when I'm actually at highway speeds cruising..

 

what’s the difference between HWY and stop and go? Too much for ignition module to maintain.
Had a similar problem on a late model FI sportster. Turned out to be the voltage reg

 

I just don't like full ignition advance when in lite tip in throttle in stop and go traffic. More advance creates more heat in the motor which I don't think is good in stop and go traffic...

 

Tho you have that backwards [retarded timing creates alot more Heat]... the idea is sound, to do it manually... I simply prefer the VOES... so very simple ...why not
They are easily checked... [sometimes I even swap to a different Bike!!!] and... Remember... they are Adjustable...
The only reason to back off the timing [low vacuume] is to avoid spark-knock/pre-ignition... under fairly heavy load, at more open throttle settings.... [low vacuume]
It is quite Simply...a Spark-knock/pre-ignition thing!!!!!

BTW If you believe it is Not happening if you can't hear it... You are in danger of being Wrong!!!!

 

You need a vacuum tool to test whether or not your VOES is working and at what level vacuum it's switching at.

Or just suck on the hose with a meter across the leads reading resistance and see if it changes when you hear a little click.

They don't last forever either. My 1994 VOES was bad when I got my bike.

 

Lighter bikes have a VOES switch that switches at about 4 in/hg. Heavier bikes around 6-7 in/hg. (if I remember correctly)

No vacuum, or engine off, the normal position of the VOES switch is open (no electrical contact).

High vacuum like when cruising along at a steady speed, light load, and the appropriate gear means the vacuum switch activates (switch contacts will close) so it will trigger the timing to advance.

Acceleration or engine load that causes the throttle to be twisted and the throttle plate opens, makes the vacuum drop or get lower, causing the switch to de-activate (switch contacts now open). This feature prevents pinging when under load like going up hill, hauling a heavy passenger, taking off from a light, etc.

This feature gives you a little bit of economy (when contacts are closed), and will help with emissions, but may cause pinging on modified engines. Especially (as mentioned) during "throttle tip in".

The VOES can be adjusted or tuned to your bike and there are plenty of threads on that. It will not harm your engine to run without the VOES. Running with no VOES means it will not jump to the higher advance curve. Just don't ground the purple VOES wire if you disconnect it. Grounding it causes the full advance mode.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/engin...explained.html

http://www.wildwestcycle.com/f_voes.html

http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1863153

 

Who makes the best VOES switch? Or are they all the same, outside of the pressure setting.

I got a POS switch that didn't stay in place, the retaining ring didn't stay.