Timer control cable routing and brackets

FL54
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#16

Post by FL54 »

Good tips George. I think I'll order another timer adjuster screw as the wire does go through it at the wrong angle for this application.
Thanks again.
FL54
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#17

Post by FL54 »

Just an update on timer coil installation. My parts arrived and after the normal fitment problems, I've gotten the timer control coil installed.
I always thought that the purpose of retarding the spark with the timer was to reduce the possibility of kick back. The FL has never kicked me (unlike the ironhead I had for years.)
When reading all the different starting procedures on this forum, one common step is retarding the spark. Is there a mechanical reason for this or is it to reduce the chance of kickback?
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#18

Post by Bigincher »

If you don't retard the spark, the spark plugs fire when the piston is still coming up on the compression stroke, like it does when running normally, like 35* BTDC.
When the spark is retarded, it causes the spark plugs to fire later, when the piston is headed back down on the power stroke, greatly reducing the tendency to kick back.
Actually, I'm not sure if you can rotate the timer a full 35 degrees, but you get the idea.
FL54
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#19

Post by FL54 »

Thanks for the explanation Bigincher. Would you say that the engine would start better (fewer kicks, all other factors like timing being equal) with the spark retarded or just reduce the chance of a kick back?
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#20

Post by PanPal »

It lets you make the engine Potato too! New bikes don't Potato. Not good to do it to often though.
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#21

Post by Bigincher »

FL54 wrote:Thanks for the explanation Bigincher. Would you say that the engine would start better (fewer kicks, all other factors like timing being equal) with the spark retarded or just reduce the chance of a kick back?
Both, if I understand your question. The real reason to retard the spark is to aid in starting, though.
Besides that, I don't know what the HD engineers and designers were thinking....
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#22

Post by old.wrench »

fl54,
Nice job on the installation. It blends right in.
When there is a will, there is a way!

Geo.
FL54
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#23

Post by FL54 »

Thanks Geo. And thanks for the tips, they were helpful. I decided to just drill another hole in the adjusting screw. I didn't want to wait to get another one and I'll never sell my bike anyway. My kids might when I'm gone but I won't.
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#24

Post by RUBONE »

When the spark is retarded, it causes the spark plugs to fire later, when the piston is headed back down on the power stroke, greatly reducing the tendency to kick back.
Not quite. Retarded is still before TDC on a rising piston, not headed down. But the combo of piston position, flame travel, and momentum, all conspire to allow it to continue forward instead of putting the brakes on its travel.

Nice job on making a set-up that works for you FL54!
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#25

Post by Bigincher »

I didn't think it would quite make it to the downstroke, Robbie, thanks for the clarification.

And 54FL-- that's a clean solution you came up with, nice job..!
FL54
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Re: Timer control cable routing and brackets

#26

Post by FL54 »

Thanks guys and the help and sharing of knowledge on this site is unequaled.
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