need timing light
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
need timing light
Hi
Its time I get a timing light for my 89 decker and from what I've read and heard there are timing lights that you can set to the degree you want, can I get some input as too which timing light works well and what your using?
Thanks
Its time I get a timing light for my 89 decker and from what I've read and heard there are timing lights that you can set to the degree you want, can I get some input as too which timing light works well and what your using?
Thanks
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,397
Likes: 2,599
From: NC USA
The deal with the variable advance timing lights is that you can set the degrees of advance you want on the light (35 degrees for an Evo) and then read the TDC mark on the flywheel, rather than the advance mark on the flywheel which is a small dot. The variable advance feature retards the flash of the light and has no effect on the actual ignition.
Some lights with that feature have a switch for 2 or 4 cycle. Since the (stock) ignition is dual fire, if the light does not have a selectable (2 or 4), you have to double the values. That is; to read 35 degrees at the TDC mark, you'd have to set the light at 70 degrees. Also if it has a tach built in, it would read double of actual rpms.
I try to avoid opinions (usually) concerning personal preferences, but considering you basically only need to set timing once, I'd recommend the cheapest one you can find which has a selectable cycle feature. Lots of choices out there, so shop around. And I do recommend the clear timing hole plug rather than old storm doors, diving goggles or disposable clothes - they will blow a lot of oil out at you!
Some lights with that feature have a switch for 2 or 4 cycle. Since the (stock) ignition is dual fire, if the light does not have a selectable (2 or 4), you have to double the values. That is; to read 35 degrees at the TDC mark, you'd have to set the light at 70 degrees. Also if it has a tach built in, it would read double of actual rpms.
I try to avoid opinions (usually) concerning personal preferences, but considering you basically only need to set timing once, I'd recommend the cheapest one you can find which has a selectable cycle feature. Lots of choices out there, so shop around. And I do recommend the clear timing hole plug rather than old storm doors, diving goggles or disposable clothes - they will blow a lot of oil out at you!
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 624
From: deland,florida
timing
little secret here,take out the timing plug and get the advance mark (round mark) in the middle of the window,drain primary and take off instection cover,clean a spot on alternater rotor & inner primary,get some white out and mark rotor and primary,put timing plug back in and time with light thru inspection cover hole,no mess,ALOT easier to see mark.try it,you`ll like it
kirby
vee twin racing
www.veetwinperformance.com
kirby
vee twin racing
www.veetwinperformance.com
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
The deal with the variable advance timing lights is that you can set the degrees of advance you want on the light (35 degrees for an Evo) and then read the TDC mark on the flywheel, rather than the advance mark on the flywheel which is a small dot. The variable advance feature retards the flash of the light and has no effect on the actual ignition.
Some lights with that feature have a switch for 2 or 4 cycle. Since the (stock) ignition is dual fire, if the light does not have a selectable (2 or 4), you have to double the values. That is; to read 35 degrees at the TDC mark, you'd have to set the light at 70 degrees. Also if it has a tach built in, it would read double of actual rpms.
I try to avoid opinions (usually) concerning personal preferences, but considering you basically only need to set timing once, I'd recommend the cheapest one you can find which has a selectable cycle feature. Lots of choices out there, so shop around. And I do recommend the clear timing hole plug rather than old storm doors, diving goggles or disposable clothes - they will blow a lot of oil out at you!
Some lights with that feature have a switch for 2 or 4 cycle. Since the (stock) ignition is dual fire, if the light does not have a selectable (2 or 4), you have to double the values. That is; to read 35 degrees at the TDC mark, you'd have to set the light at 70 degrees. Also if it has a tach built in, it would read double of actual rpms.
I try to avoid opinions (usually) concerning personal preferences, but considering you basically only need to set timing once, I'd recommend the cheapest one you can find which has a selectable cycle feature. Lots of choices out there, so shop around. And I do recommend the clear timing hole plug rather than old storm doors, diving goggles or disposable clothes - they will blow a lot of oil out at you!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
I have an extra Dyna 2000 mod Hell with the timing light ! The last time someone wanted me to time their bike I took them behind the shop showed them what to do (timing plug removal etc etc ) At which time I went back into the shop 10 minutes later the guy came into the shop dripping oil off his new leather I asked him how it went he said he really didn't need it timed !!! I did offer him a beer
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,397
Likes: 2,599
From: NC USA
The last time someone wanted me to time their bike I took them behind the shop showed them what to do (timing plug removal etc etc ) At which time I went back into the shop 10 minutes later the guy came into the shop dripping oil off his new leather I asked him how it went he said he really didn't need it timed !!! I did offer him a beer
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 624
From: deland,florida
time it like i explained,you`ll never time it thru the timing hole again,trust me.same with open belts,mark the pully and time it off that
kirby
vee twin racing
kirby
vee twin racing
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
I have an extra Dyna 2000 mod Hell with the timing light ! The last time someone wanted me to time their bike I took them behind the shop showed them what to do (timing plug removal etc etc ) At which time I went back into the shop 10 minutes later the guy came into the shop dripping oil off his new leather I asked him how it went he said he really didn't need it timed !!! I did offer him a beer
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Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,039
Likes: 11
From: Northern Ontario
No matter which way I time it I still need to know which type of light to get.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 3,569
Likes: 624
From: deland,florida
timing light
just go to autozone(or whatever)and get the cheapest one they have,no dials,no switches,just a regular timing light,2,4,6,8 cylinders dosnt matter,just a regular timing light
kirby
vee twin racing
kirby
vee twin racing