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Hi guys. I just wanted to say thank you for helping this newbie as much as you have. I tried to fire up my 03 sporty after static timing and it wouldn’t start. (I really thought I had static timed it properly so it’s possible I did and there’s an alternate problem)
here’s the basics. 03 1275 conversion. Thought I followed instructions properly. Tried to do first start and wouldn’t start.
went back over everything to see why. I pulled front plug out to check for spark and it is sparking, I also pulled both plugs out to feel for strong blowing and sucking (I don’t have a compression tester) and it blows and sucks as good as anything I’ve ever seen.
I gave it a teeny spritz of starting fluid and it still didn’t start. So I was thinking back on what it could be if I have fuel, spark, and compression but still won’t start then I must be getting spark but just at the wrong time.
so I pulled timing inspection plug and jacked up the bike to put it in TDC to verify the timing slot was in the middle of the hole and it was....buuuuut it’s diagonal.
I can’t tell what “align the timing mark in the center of the hole” means...
if the timing Mark is diagonal (instead of straight up and down) then which is the center? The tip of the line being centered to the timing hole? The center of the timing line being centered within the timing home? Or the bottom of the line being centered to the bottom of the hole?
My timing mark was straight up and down. Can you post up a picture? I have not read about a "diagonal" mark. Maybe that is the mark for "overlap" TDC?
Are you sure you are on "Compression" TDC for the front cylinder? I put on a Dyna 2000 ignition, static timed it and then retarded it .030" per Hammer Performance instructions. Watch your intake rocker arm to determine "compression" TDC.
John
Last edited by John Harper; Jun 9, 2021 at 07:02 AM.
Mine is vertical. You have to be sure you're not on the top of the exhaust stroke also. On the front cylinder (of course), it goes, intake valve open, both valves closed,
exhaust open, repeat. Compression is when both valves are closed and the mark lines up. A picture with the diagonal line would be interesting. On mine the mark is
very obvious.
Heres a picture of mine after replacing the timing gears on my 07 Nightster. Had the cover off to powder coat and the gears came out with it. Are you sure you started at TDC? The timing marks are crucial, off by one and shes no good. Feel free to post up a picture.
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Timing mark diagonal?
Timing Mark
