DeanJ
Been Around the Block
With most two strokes, timing is set by measuring the piston position in relation to TDC when the points start to open/ (or EI fires) . Even on bikes where there is a static timing mark and indicator on the rotor, this is to get timing only "ish" so if your manual states to use a dial, please use a dial.
Inexpensive, yet precise dial indicators are around $20, so you need one of these and a holder that goes in your spark plug hole. The latter is a simple project that will take just minutes...
Start with a spark plug for the bike you need to make the holder for. Cut the retaining ring that holds the insulator in ( just as you would when doing a plug chop )
Remove the Ceramic insulator and discard it along with the ring ( ick, that was a sooty lean plug )
File smooth the top your modified plug:
after removing the ground electrode, file the bottom smooth:
Now mix up some JB weld and completely fill the now hollow plug ( allow to cure 24 hours before the next step)
Measure the shoulder dia of your dial gauge, then drill a hole that size all the way through:
The dial gauge is very sensitive, so the tip movement during measurement has no effect on the position of the gauge body as it sits in the holder. The weight of the gauge keeps it from moving within the holder. ( factory kits lock with a set screw )
Now follow your factory service manual and properly set your timing !
If your next bike has a different plug thread.. no problem, just make a holder for that one ..
What is shown is a set up for a Yamaha RD400. The dial indicator pictured is from McMaster Carr , part number 20715A25 cost: $20.20 with a couple of extensions, 20625A132 & 20625A134 cost $4 ea
Inexpensive, yet precise dial indicators are around $20, so you need one of these and a holder that goes in your spark plug hole. The latter is a simple project that will take just minutes...
Start with a spark plug for the bike you need to make the holder for. Cut the retaining ring that holds the insulator in ( just as you would when doing a plug chop )
Remove the Ceramic insulator and discard it along with the ring ( ick, that was a sooty lean plug )
File smooth the top your modified plug:
after removing the ground electrode, file the bottom smooth:
Now mix up some JB weld and completely fill the now hollow plug ( allow to cure 24 hours before the next step)
Measure the shoulder dia of your dial gauge, then drill a hole that size all the way through:
The dial gauge is very sensitive, so the tip movement during measurement has no effect on the position of the gauge body as it sits in the holder. The weight of the gauge keeps it from moving within the holder. ( factory kits lock with a set screw )
Now follow your factory service manual and properly set your timing !
If your next bike has a different plug thread.. no problem, just make a holder for that one ..
What is shown is a set up for a Yamaha RD400. The dial indicator pictured is from McMaster Carr , part number 20715A25 cost: $20.20 with a couple of extensions, 20625A132 & 20625A134 cost $4 ea
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