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Hello to all
I hope someone can help me
I have a 1966 ironhead. That model works with a magneto.
I repaired the magneto and installed a movable base in order to retard the ignition at the starting moment....that kicks back really hard ...
so... I assembled everything. I have it running again but I want to mark the points of full advance also the point where that stars easy and so on.
I did for that what I have done with other motorcycles (I mean other brands) I went for my stroboscope gun I remove the screw to see the marks on the flywheel
and a found the engine was blowing oil thought that hole.
so the question is ... what I did wrong ? Is that normal ?
being honest was not much oil but enough to make a mess and I dont think it is safe to have my eyes near that.
Yes, that is normal. The pressure from the pistons going down creates the pressure in the crankcase, and the pressure pushes the oil from the scraper cavity toward the oil pump in the cam cover which returns it to the tank.
You can get a clear threaded plug for the timing hole that prevents the oil from blowing out, but it's difficult to see the marks. But usually better than a face of hot oil.
I have read on this and other forums to let the motor run for 2-3 minutes to let the scavenging system do it's job, then remove the plug. That will minimize the oil spray. I haven't tried it but it sounds correct unless the motor is shot.
I definitely use the threaded, clear, screw in plug too. To make the timing marks easier to see, I use a Sharpie Paint Stick (orange or white) and put a small dab on both the front timing mark (vertical line) and rear timing mark (double vertical dots). Clean/dry the marks with a Q-Tip first.
I also turn off all the lights in my garage. aka my garage is semi-dark. With the marks highlighted, garage lights off, then shoot the marks with your timing light. Still not a walk in the park to see, but much much better.
BTW, when you get the timing "on the money", the timing marks on your "dual fire" Ironhead will superimpose on each other.
It also really helps to have another set of hands as your trying to work both sides of the bike. Definitely get the clear plug and reasonably clean oil and you should have no problem. Like the doc says hilite the timing mark
When I saw that I thought ....what a weird behavior.
I can not set the ignition at the exact point but that spray of oil make feel sure the oil goes to each and every part of the engine
thanks a lot for your help guys
I will try the clear plug if that is not enough I will make the marks easier to see
have a nice day for everyone
When I saw that I thought ....what a weird behavior.
I can not set the ignition at the exact point but that spray of oil make feel sure the oil goes to each and every part of the engine
thanks a lot for your help guys
I will try the clear plug if that is not enough I will make the marks easier to see
have a nice day for everyone
When you thread the plug into the timing hole, be careful to not screw it in too far or it will scrape on the flywheels and you won't be able to see anything through it.
If your running a mag and intend to keep it then buy one of these - we do many custom machines and oil spraying all over the place is a joke that takes hours to clean a machine like this one
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setting the ignition
