Shovel wont start
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: appleton,WI
I'd follow this advice above , what parts you put into the ignition ? harley or aftermarket ? Cam lobes on a lot of the cheap advance units in conversion kits can be way off sometimes and the points that come with them are junk . Point gap ? and does it stay about the same when you rotate to the big lobe . I've had them read .018 and then jump to .060+ or be almost closed with the cheap parts they vary so much makes timing a b*tch something to look at maybe .
what are some better brands? would it be just the cam, the whole advance unit or something deeper in motor? i appreciate all the help so far, at least i got to hear it run a little!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
dialed it back n got it to run somewhat erratically. i have a difference of .011 between the two cam lobes, bought the cheap set. what are some better brands? would it be just the cam, the whole advance unit or something deeper in motor? i appreciate all the help so far, at least i got to hear it run a little!
what are some better brands? would it be just the cam, the whole advance unit or something deeper in motor? i appreciate all the help so far, at least i got to hear it run a little!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,128
Likes: 51,461
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
At this point I'd say the cam only and as the man said above you can " Tap " it around some to get there , go lightly getting a small broke bolt out of the end of the cam will make you use real bad words . Myself I'd find a good quality set of points like Blue Streak or Accel . Check this link http://www.vtwinmfg.com/Catalog1/VTwinCatalogIndex1.htm pages 615 or so for good stuff and part # 32-0468 you may want to consider I've used them in bunch of bike's with no problems & use stock coils . Same as the Dyna S but half the cost , good luck either way man .
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Aug 24, 2010 at 12:58 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Jonesborough TN
I recommend the dyna s ignition systems, 5 years with my current one in 2 different bikes and never a glitch, also make sure your advance unit is working,,if its stuck open it will cause alot of those problems also.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: appleton,WI
Ok, now this is where shovels shine on high tech. If your points gap is not the same on both lobes you can make a precise technical adjustment to fix it. Are you ready? Use a small rubber mallet and tap the cam in the direction you need to go make the gap even. Gentle, of course, that long bolt is actually very flexible. I believe this may even be written in the service manual, it's been a long time since I've been in mine. Once you get that it's just a matter of hooking up the timing light and sucking up some oil from the timing plug hole, at least if you're like me and hate the clear plugs. If you do use the plug, file the shoulder down a bit to make sure your plug is lightly touching the flywheel, this will make it read a lot clearer.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
I have had timing plates made in ? and when the front cylinder was at the correct position ( advance mark on flywheels (center of timing hole )points set at .018 + or - and points just start to open WHEN you grab the timing cam and turn it CCW !! ) some of these timing plates I had to elongate the holes to get this position So much for the USA
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 20
From: Eagle River WI
The timing light will just give you an oil bath If you followed the timing sequence correctly your timing will be right on
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 802
Likes: 3
From: Wisconsin
Hello ! Just puttin in my opinion again ! Stick with a good point set -up but make sure you did not assemble it 180 off as it can be done! Did it once myself and acted just like yours) It will Fart - Bark - do everything but run because the timming is 180 off.
Just re-install the points assy ( including the points cam as it is probably off)!
Just re-install the points assy ( including the points cam as it is probably off)!
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: appleton,WI
ive got everything timed good... i think. still backfiring and doesnt want to idle. neighbor guy suggested hotter plugs ( installed HD 3-4) cuz they are fouling out right away, not sure if it might be carb settings?? not sure if it could be 180 off, pins allow advance unit and cam to only go on one way.
Last edited by handymanDAN; Aug 15, 2010 at 11:35 PM.