Static timing vs precision timing
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
TD,
You already have static timed your bike.
To a certain extent anyway though you may not have followed the procedure in the manual.
You did so when you pulled and replaced your ignition during the cam change.
Static timing will get the ignition timing close enough to start and run the engine until you can dynamically set it with a timing light.
If done right you can get very close (and sometimes exactly right with luck, but I haven't been successful that way yet, but it's possible) to the correct ignition timing by static timing.
You already have static timed your bike.
To a certain extent anyway though you may not have followed the procedure in the manual.
You did so when you pulled and replaced your ignition during the cam change.
Static timing will get the ignition timing close enough to start and run the engine until you can dynamically set it with a timing light.
If done right you can get very close (and sometimes exactly right with luck, but I haven't been successful that way yet, but it's possible) to the correct ignition timing by static timing.
Last edited by megawatt; May 17, 2014 at 06:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
As a qualified wrench I am duty bound to tell you that as per the above post...static is just to get it started, only dynamic can be considered correct and this is because it is the dynamic timing that comes into play when riding and if its wrong it can make a mess.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
As you can tell, I'm still not happy with my timing. I need a better Strobe. I have a friend who has a professional Strobe, but we're having a hard time getting together.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
timing light.
A pro. lamp is very robust and therefore expensive as its desighned to be used every day .
You can now get a fairly decent one at any auto parts store for approx. $ 30.00.
Tip., use an inexpensive light in a dimly lit area if you are having trouble seeing the timing marks.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
In my experience with timing lights , they either work as intended or dont work at all.
A pro. lamp is very robust and therefore expensive as its desighned to be used every day .
You can now get a fairly decent one at any auto parts store for approx. $ 30.00.
Tip., use an inexpensive light in a dimly lit area if you are having trouble seeing the timing marks.
A pro. lamp is very robust and therefore expensive as its desighned to be used every day .
You can now get a fairly decent one at any auto parts store for approx. $ 30.00.
Tip., use an inexpensive light in a dimly lit area if you are having trouble seeing the timing marks.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 725
Likes: 1
From: southeast Indiana
Indy
Trial, perhaps a trip to an indy to have your timing checked is in order. I can't imagine that it would cost much.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 957
Likes: 2
From: Carlsbad Springs Ontario
hit and miss.
I had a good quality lamp die after little use and have been using a cheapy ever since with good results .? Try installing the lamp on your car to test / indentify problem . If hit and miss persists after wiggling wires and thumping the damned thing a few times , purchase another . At least you are covered by warrenty and wont have to wait to hook up with your bud.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 913
Likes: 5
From: indiana
In my experience with timing lights , they either work as intended or dont work at all.
A pro. lamp is very robust and therefore expensive as its desighned to be used every day .
You can now get a fairly decent one at any auto parts store for approx. $ 30.00.
Tip., use an inexpensive light in a dimly lit area if you are having trouble seeing the timing marks.
A pro. lamp is very robust and therefore expensive as its desighned to be used every day .
You can now get a fairly decent one at any auto parts store for approx. $ 30.00.
Tip., use an inexpensive light in a dimly lit area if you are having trouble seeing the timing marks.
Thread Starter
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 10,236
Likes: 798
From: Indiana
Ok ., so we are down to two possibilities , either the light is crapping out due to internal failure or the pickup clamp or power supply is the culprit.?
I had a good quality lamp die after little use and have been using a cheapy ever since with good results .? Try installing the lamp on your car to test / indentify problem . If hit and miss persists after wiggling wires and thumping the damned thing a few times , purchase another . At least you are covered by warrenty and wont have to wait to hook up with your bud.
I had a good quality lamp die after little use and have been using a cheapy ever since with good results .? Try installing the lamp on your car to test / indentify problem . If hit and miss persists after wiggling wires and thumping the damned thing a few times , purchase another . At least you are covered by warrenty and wont have to wait to hook up with your bud.