I was reading over this webpage on checking the timing:

http://www.nightrider.com/biketech/i..._timing_00.htm

On point 1a. they say:
Locate the proper timing marks for your engine. If the shop manual is not available, remove spark plugs, turn engine until front piston is at TDC on compression stroke and identify TDC mark on the flywheel.

This is probably obvious to everyone who has done it, but what are you doing to turn the engine? Are they saying to hit the starter and check the position or to have the bike in gear and rotate the tire until you see the timing mark, or are you doing something else to turn the engine until you see the timing marks?

 

Jack it up, put it in gear and turn the tire. (Easier with the plugs out)

 

Thanks..that sounds easy enough...now I just got to check if my timing light is inductive so I can check this out.

 

One of those clear plugs for the timing hole is real handy.

 

Yes, I picked up one of the plugs recently...I plan to check the timing as soon as I get the bike back together. I was doing a clutch friction plate replacement the other day but found that the steel plates are also severely worn...so now I have ordered them and hope to have them installed and get the clutch adjusted on Wednesday...then will check out the timing...I posted in another thread about how the carb hasn't been working right, possibly due to debris passing into it and clogging it ...but I want to check out the timing just to make sure I am not chasing my tail around with all the carb troubleshooting I've been doing.

 

screw the clear plug,it`ll still be hard to see mark.take the inspection cover off your primary cover,take out timing plug and get 35 degree BTDC mark in center of hole,get some white out and mark alt rotor & inner primary,use timming light and time thru inspection cover(remember to put timming plug back in before starting bike!!
kirby
facebook: kirby apathy

 

Can I use a direct pickup timing light instead of the inductive type? I just realized my timing light is ancient. Maybe time to get a newer one?

 

Sure, that will work just fine.

 

Mr1986, what problems are you having with your bike.
It sounds like the same problems I am having as well.

 

Hcochoa...not sure if you are asking what problems I am having or if you have already seen the thread...I rambled quite abit in this thread about suspected carb problems:

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...rfly-carb.html

I just finished replacing my clutch friction plates and steel plates today...clutch feels great now...my next thing is to check the engine timing in the next day or two...and see if it is contributing to any of my problems...once that is right I plan to look close at the carb again...pull it off and clean it all up again.