Timer lobe mark

[jerryd]

I am finally getting to check the timing on my panhead motor and noticed that the timer lobe mark is a little off the highest part of the cam lobe ? Is the that correct?

timer.jpg

[RUBONE]

The mark on the lobe is a reference point for approximate timing. Timing is NOT set on the high point. Points are gapped on the high point, timing is set when the points are just beginning to break on the front cylinder.

[jerryd]

Thankyou
So points set at 022
timing mark just into view of window as shown in manual with timer advanced
mark on cam aligned with point follower with timer advanced

points.jpg

mark on cam follower timer retarded test light just out

points retarded.jpg

Correct? Ready to fire?
jerry

[1950Panhead]

Correct? Ready to fire?

Yes, plugs fire when points open

[kfelt]

Where did you get those Delco-Remy points?!

[RooDog]

Do you not have the Harleu-Davidson factory Service Manual and Parts books? RooDog

[jerryd]

Where did you get those Delco-Remy points?!

Came with the bike . Have a couple of used sets too. Time will tell if they are any good.
jerry

[jerryd]

Do you not have the Harleu-Davidson factory Service Manual and Parts books? RooDog

Yes have both -58-59+ reprint parts
jerry

[RooDog]

That mark on the breaker cam can be used when running your valves. When that line comes jut past contact with the points breaker and the points are just starting to open up then you may adjust both of your front lifters. And the then you gently bump it around to the wide lobe and there too when the points just begin to open you can do the rear valves too. It's all so easy once you figure it out, no? RooDog

[jerryd]

good to know
thanks
jerry

[jerryd]

So had time to try a start on the bike. wouldn't start , lots of puffs out of carb. Bubble tested 3 times, all ok each time. Set timing and verified 10 times. changed plugs and points. No different. Then I discovered that if I retard the timing only half it fired right up. opened the choke, advanced the timing on the grip and turned the low speed in till she idled nice and set the idle speed down a bit. Shut off and at half retarded started one kick twice. The question is that if I only had to retard the timer half way is the advanced now not advanced enough? What is the fix. ? The good news is that it will run after many years sitting.
Thanks jerry

[1950Panhead]

The question is that if I only had to retard the timer half way is the advanced now not advanced enough? What is the fix. ?

37 to 46 UL uses a bracket with full advance and full retard stops, if bracket is missing you get too much range, 47 and 48 stops are in the timer base.
Points open, plugs fire, timing mark should be in window.

[Excalibur]

About half twist of the grip sounds about right to me. I'm currently using 3/4" rollback of the grip.

Think of it like this.... Full advance timed as per pic below. For kick starting, retard timing till just out of range of kickback. If you retard further, the "bang" gets progressively weaker. Hope this helps.

[jerryd]

The question is that if I only had to retard the timer half way is the advanced now not advanced enough? What is the fix. ?

37 to 46 UL uses a bracket with full advance and full retard stops, if bracket is missing you get too much range, 47 and 48 stops are in the timer base.
Points open, plugs fire, timing mark should be in window.

It is a 58 panhead and the stop part retained by the wire bail is in the proper recess to limit the movement of the timer. But that is another question . Which pair of holes does the wire bail go in? I never paid attention which ones they were in when I had the timer apart. I did not pull it from the engine so where it is was as driven back when

[jerryd]

About half twist of the grip sounds about right to me. I'm currently using 3/4" rollback of the grip.

Think of it like this.... Full advance timed as per pic below. For kick starting, retard timing till just out of range of kickback. If you retard further, the "bang" gets progressively weaker. Hope this helps.

The timing mark was just in the window as for the FL. and light just coming on at with the timer at full advanced. So the question is still with the timer at fully advanced is the engine running at full advance or somewhere near?