Setting Evo Timing
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Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Southern CA
Setting Evo Timing
Hello Everyone,
I need help please.
Subject: 1984 FXR Evo. with after market ignition, VOES delete.
I'm changing it back to stock HD ignition. I have a brand new ignition module, new cam sensor timing plate.
I tried setting the timing by placing the crank at TDC, the engine will start but won't rev. It only sputters.
I tried setting the timing by placing the crank at the front cylinder advance mark, the engine will start but won't rev. It only sputters.
The cam sensor plate does not indicate any initial start point for a setting, so I'm not sure where to set it.
The wire for the VOES is grounded to frame.
Can anyone help.
Thank in advance.
Larry
I need help please.
Subject: 1984 FXR Evo. with after market ignition, VOES delete.
I'm changing it back to stock HD ignition. I have a brand new ignition module, new cam sensor timing plate.
I tried setting the timing by placing the crank at TDC, the engine will start but won't rev. It only sputters.
I tried setting the timing by placing the crank at the front cylinder advance mark, the engine will start but won't rev. It only sputters.
The cam sensor plate does not indicate any initial start point for a setting, so I'm not sure where to set it.
The wire for the VOES is grounded to frame.
Can anyone help.
Thank in advance.
Larry
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,596
From: NC USA
Regardless, you will ultimately have to use a timing light with the stock ignition parts. A dial back type works best/easiest/quickest. If its starting but won't rev, most likely your way low. Turn the plate clockwise to advance.
This works sometimes if you want to try for a close (but not close enough) setting. Remove ground to voes lead. Place engine at TDC mark with front cylinder on it's compression stroke. Look thru the plug hole at the valves or hold finger over hole while rotating before you reach the timing mark on flywheel.
With TDC mark in window on front compression stroke, connect a spark plug and ground it on engine. Switch on and rotate timing plate back and forth while listening for a spark. In the center of what you're rotating back and forth to get a spark, snug the plate. That's a starting point but absolutely do not attempt to ride it until it's properly timed with a light. Again, this doesn't always work, don't know why, but give that a try.
Otherwise, it's just a pain in the butt even with a high dollar light and a good clear plug in the timing hole. If you cannot find the mark with a dial back type light, connect to the rear plug and set light at 145 degrees advance. They tend to be easier to see a timing mark on the double flash that way. (with dual fire coil)
Ultimately you want to ground the voes wire, set with a light on the timing dot (advance mark) above 2000 rpms. Running without a voes and the wire grounded will mainly hurt you on hard accel and hot starting.
This works sometimes if you want to try for a close (but not close enough) setting. Remove ground to voes lead. Place engine at TDC mark with front cylinder on it's compression stroke. Look thru the plug hole at the valves or hold finger over hole while rotating before you reach the timing mark on flywheel.
With TDC mark in window on front compression stroke, connect a spark plug and ground it on engine. Switch on and rotate timing plate back and forth while listening for a spark. In the center of what you're rotating back and forth to get a spark, snug the plate. That's a starting point but absolutely do not attempt to ride it until it's properly timed with a light. Again, this doesn't always work, don't know why, but give that a try.
Otherwise, it's just a pain in the butt even with a high dollar light and a good clear plug in the timing hole. If you cannot find the mark with a dial back type light, connect to the rear plug and set light at 145 degrees advance. They tend to be easier to see a timing mark on the double flash that way. (with dual fire coil)
Ultimately you want to ground the voes wire, set with a light on the timing dot (advance mark) above 2000 rpms. Running without a voes and the wire grounded will mainly hurt you on hard accel and hot starting.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,596
From: NC USA
Doesn't matter the coil with a stock type electronic ignition system. It's a dual fire system now, whether with a stock type coil or a jumper across the primarys of a single fire coil - it's a dual fire, period.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 942
Likes: 323
From: Grew up in Texas, moved to AZ
With TDC mark in window on front compression stroke, connect a spark plug and ground it on engine. Switch on and rotate timing plate back and forth while listening for a spark. In the center of what you're rotating back and forth to get a spark, snug the plate. That's a starting point but absolutely do not attempt to ride it until it's properly timed with a light. Again, this doesn't always work, don't know why, but give that a try.
.
It has worked for me, and I was able to ride without having to re-time the ignition with no problems. Just got lucky, I guess. Make sure your front cylinder TDC mark is in the middle of the timing hole, and then after you lock down the sensor plate, check that the mark hasn't moved, or you will have to do it again to be sure. Good luck.
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Beyond Fucital
I just re read his OP and didn't see where it said he replaced the coil or added the jumper.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,396
Likes: 2,596
From: NC USA
There is only one coil signal from the module so both coil towers must discharge every time around. Factory cam sensor only has one pickup so the module can't know which cylinder is on compression and cannot separate the timing cup trigger windows between front and rear.
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