80 HD engine timing question

revoarcher · 10-14-2012, 12:27 PM

Can anyone explain the procedure for setting the timing on this engine? I looked at a manual online but it really doesnt explain how to set the timing just what degrees it should be set at. Whats the best way to measure the degree btdc?

revoarcher · 10-19-2012, 05:11 PM

No one knows or it is just to hard to explain?

tew45 · 10-19-2012, 09:08 PM

It is hard to explain. I have done it several times on this forum. You should be able to use the search function and find some of these posts. If not I will try to explain it again.

jomcguire18 · 10-20-2012, 09:42 AM

If setting the timimng is anything like in a '74 HD 3 wheeler then there is a video on YouTube. Its actually pretty easy. Even I can do it HAHAHA

revoarcher · 10-20-2012, 09:51 AM

Thanks guys I will check both of those out.

SeanDo · 10-22-2012, 06:28 PM

I posted a video of the timing procedure as I understand it on YouTube. It is finicky for sure. Lots of people get a good run in reverse but not so much in forward.

TEW has some great posts here that we're essential in my timings. I am going to fiddle with it again soon and post a more detailed how to video.

Question back though, is it possible to reverse this symptom? Time it perfect forward and let reverse sputter?

tew45 · 10-22-2012, 07:26 PM

Yes it is very possible to reverse the symptom. Timing should be balanced in either direction. I checked the video and it really doesn't show what to do in case the points do not open the same place forward and reverse. You have to adjust the point plate to do that. I have two point plates that Craig sent and I have been changing points and condensers to see what changes that may cause. One thing I have found is that if you change to another brand of points the timing balance probably will change. I use the timing stop to time now for it is positive and exact. It is also a lot faster. I set the points at .022 then turn the crank back and forth to set balance. To keep from turning the engine one foll turn I just screw the stop out and turn the crank to the other side and screw it back in. I have re-checked with the flywheel marks and it works perfectly.

revoarcher · 10-28-2012, 10:19 AM

Thanks guys I have rebuilt the top end and had to work on the forward/reverse switch and clean points. I fired it up and runs pretty good but I will need to replace the points because they are pretty bad. There is a lot of sparking between the points when it is running. What is this timing stop that tew talked about?

tew45 · 10-28-2012, 10:46 AM

If there is a lot of sparking the condenser is probably bad. The timing stop is just my name for a device used to stop the piston at the proper place so you don't have to look through that small hole with a flashlight. It is like an extra long spark plug and replaces the spark plug in the timing procedure. I will try to post a photo of it in a tool kit I put together for the HD cart. It is made with an old spark plug body and a long bolt or rod. There is a photo and building instructions on this forum somewhere. I can't seem to get my photo to upload now. I will re-post with it when working.

tew45 · 10-28-2012, 11:01 AM

Photo of my tool box with the timing stop next to the spark plug. I finally found it.

10-14-2012, 12:27 PM	#1
revoarcher Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Dakota Posts: 196	80 HD engine timing question Can anyone explain the procedure for setting the timing on this engine? I looked at a manual online but it really doesnt explain how to set the timing just what degrees it should be set at. Whats the best way to measure the degree btdc?

10-19-2012, 05:11 PM	#2
revoarcher Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Dakota Posts: 196	Re: 80 HD engine timing question No one knows or it is just to hard to explain?

10-19-2012, 09:08 PM	#3
tew45 Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,312	Re: 80 HD engine timing question It is hard to explain. I have done it several times on this forum. You should be able to use the search function and find some of these posts. If not I will try to explain it again.

10-20-2012, 09:42 AM	#4
jomcguire18 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 51	Re: 80 HD engine timing question If setting the timimng is anything like in a '74 HD 3 wheeler then there is a video on YouTube. Its actually pretty easy. Even I can do it HAHAHA

10-20-2012, 09:51 AM	#5
revoarcher Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Dakota Posts: 196	Re: 80 HD engine timing question Thanks guys I will check both of those out.

Today
BGW	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

10-22-2012, 06:28 PM	#6
SeanDo Not Yet Wild Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Rockland Ma Posts: 28	Re: 80 HD engine timing question I posted a video of the timing procedure as I understand it on YouTube. It is finicky for sure. Lots of people get a good run in reverse but not so much in forward. TEW has some great posts here that we're essential in my timings. I am going to fiddle with it again soon and post a more detailed how to video. Question back though, is it possible to reverse this symptom? Time it perfect forward and let reverse sputter?

10-22-2012, 07:26 PM	#7
tew45 Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,312	Re: 80 HD engine timing question Yes it is very possible to reverse the symptom. Timing should be balanced in either direction. I checked the video and it really doesn't show what to do in case the points do not open the same place forward and reverse. You have to adjust the point plate to do that. I have two point plates that Craig sent and I have been changing points and condensers to see what changes that may cause. One thing I have found is that if you change to another brand of points the timing balance probably will change. I use the timing stop to time now for it is positive and exact. It is also a lot faster. I set the points at .022 then turn the crank back and forth to set balance. To keep from turning the engine one foll turn I just screw the stop out and turn the crank to the other side and screw it back in. I have re-checked with the flywheel marks and it works perfectly.

10-28-2012, 10:19 AM	#8
revoarcher Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: North Dakota Posts: 196	Re: 80 HD engine timing question Thanks guys I have rebuilt the top end and had to work on the forward/reverse switch and clean points. I fired it up and runs pretty good but I will need to replace the points because they are pretty bad. There is a lot of sparking between the points when it is running. What is this timing stop that tew talked about?

10-28-2012, 10:46 AM	#9
tew45 Gone Wild Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Texas Posts: 2,312	Re: 80 HD engine timing question If there is a lot of sparking the condenser is probably bad. The timing stop is just my name for a device used to stop the piston at the proper place so you don't have to look through that small hole with a flashlight. It is like an extra long spark plug and replaces the spark plug in the timing procedure. I will try to post a photo of it in a tool kit I put together for the HD cart. It is made with an old spark plug body and a long bolt or rod. There is a photo and building instructions on this forum somewhere. I can't seem to get my photo to upload now. I will re-post with it when working.

Similar Threads
Thread	Forum
Timing marks for engine assembly	Gas Yamaha
Advance timing on ezgo 350 engine	Gas EZGO
G1 Engine Timing	Gas Yamaha
Timing a Yamaha G14 Engine	Gas Yamaha
re-timing snowmobile engine to run backward	Gas golf carts