Nope, never connected backwards. I'm not an idiot. I've had this whole bike apart and back together numerous times in the 30 years I've owned it. The '79 FXE came with an unreliable electronic ignition that I switched to points a long time ago, now I'm switching back because I heard that the new systems are so good. It's all together just like the instructions say but it doesn't static time the way it should. I'll figure it out. I thought this forum would be a good place to start.

 

Usually that is so... I have Not had any problems timing a dyna-S... nor Points... Nor the original 1978 -1979 Prestolite ignition... Mine still works fine.. and I put on in another bike long ago... as they were Free in the Day... I remember when they were new, most of the people that got them instantly removed them... and there was not even Internet then.. These guys only trusted points...
The idiot part??? Honest mistake to put the wires on Backwards.. Kinda like deciding that the instructions imply Removing the existing white wire...
No Biggie... and as I said... the non Dyna Copy [looks identical but, does Not have Brand on them] does in fact hook up exactly the opposite... But, luckily does Not Fry if connected Backwards...
Best idea is to assemble and turn motor over to look for spark... don't need to be timed to make a Spark...

Finally in the dark recesses of my feeble brain... at least one ignition I worked with cannot be "reset" by going backwards ... But... That may not be anything to do with this!!!

 

Yes, after I fix my stuck carb float I will go back to looking for spark and setting the timing by ear and feel. I just thought I would try it by the book for once.

As for the Prestolite, my dad bought this bike new and gave it to me in '91 when he bought a new softtail springer. He had problems with the ignition and was always tinkering with it. I didn't know much about HD's at the time and took it to the dealer to straighten out. They finally got tired of messing with it and switched it out to points for me. That worked fine for many years but they were hard to keep set. I have no idea why they would work themselves loose and close up but I had to reset the gap regularly. No big deal but that's why I decided to try this new Dyna ignition. I don't have the clear plug for the timing inspection hole so I thought I would just try the static timing and be done with it. Now I'll just set it in the center, see if it starts, and set it by feel. I've never been able to figure out how to correctly set it for my altitude anyway, always just advanced it a little and called it good.