Should retarded ignition cause harder starting??

[zixxerboy]

This spring I have had to put the charger on to 10amp engine boost to get my 79 KZ650 to fire up. It spins over reasonably with the battery but it still needs that extra kick - Starts good after running a while.
Normally this would make me think the battery is due to be replaced. But I thought I'd check a few things before I get one.

Turns out both sides have the ignition retarded. Fires about half way between the F & T mark when I check static timing with a light bulb & alligator clip set-up.

I'm thinking that it could start better with less retard. Anyone care to chime in??

 

[xs650joe]

"Should retarded ignition cause harder starting?? " It's more PC to say developmentally handicapped ignition... ;D

Sorry I had to say it.

Wish I really had an answer to your question.

joe

 

[brian weir]

This spring I have had to put the charger on to 10amp engine boost to get my 79 KZ650 to fire up. It spins over reasonably with the battery but it still needs that extra kick - Starts good after running a while.
Normally this would make me think the battery is due to be replaced. But I thought I'd check a few things before I get one.

Turns out both sides have the ignition retarded. Fires about half way between the F & T mark when I check static timing with a light bulb & alligator clip set-up.

I'm thinking that it could start better with less retard. Anyone care to chime in??

retarded =starts but goes slowly vroooom like an old vacuum cleaner, no zip. should start and idle just fine beacuse at idle there is no spark advance except what is set by the psotion of the points plate. move it forward (advance ) the whole plate a littel and see.
starst good after running? this is not a spark advance problem unless it runs smoothly slow then picks up when warm then your advance weights are sticky.

if it kick starts ok thenm nothign wrong with the spark advance, but maybe a wiring fault, condenser bad, or a bad ground for the coils and condenser!
start checking all those wires for proepr contact and assembly- you did put the insulating washers on the points- if it has them- of course?? etcf.
look for bad ground and have charging system checked.
runs ok when hot? carb leak maybe.

not likely spark advance. your motochild is not developmentally challenged. ;D ;D wring problem i think. badground. :'(

 

[zixxerboy]

Thanks Brian,

I advanced the ignition to normal (unretarded) and it starts good now. On the road it seams fine - maybe even a little better than before.