Static timing for a ‘39 UL?

[stilbo]

I have old reprints of 1930’s HD service manuals but the descriptions of the procedure for setting timing is vague at best…

I loosened the advance/retard band, moved the band to full advance, moved the flywheel mark to front cylinder TDC in the middle of the hole, aligned timing mark on breaker cam to points fiber and then tightened the timing band…

Engine starts first kick after two prime kicks and timing fully retarded… but I have to be quick to get it to the advanced position before it dies…

Any gray beards out there that have the proven procedure memorized?

Thanks.

[RUBONE]

The mark on the cam is merely a reference mark. Before you tighten the clamp you need to rotate the points plate (make sure points are gapped correctly first!) to where the points just begin to break open, then lock down the band. The fiber may or may not line up with the mark, it doesn't matter. What matters is the points just beginning to break at full advance.

[RooDog]

Timing is not set at TDC with a points style ignition. Do confirm the timing mark in the flywheel, is it TDC, or 35* advance?

[kitabel]

With the std. flywheels, full advance is 5/16" BTDC, which is 28 degrees.
Engines with deck clearance closed up to .035" etc. can and should use slightly more, like 3/8" which is 30.5 degrees.
Full retard may be too far for best idle quality.

[stilbo]

Thanks!
Doesn’t get simpler than that!