Ignition Timing using a light bulb
Ignition Timing using a light bulb
Can someone tell me how to make up a light bulb configuration to time my Tiger 110? I've read that this is a very accurate way to tell when the points begin to open on the mag other than using a feeler gauge. Thanks.
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Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
To make it work on a magneto, you have to loosen the centre screw in the points plate.
Use a small bulb like an oil warning lamp.
Circuit goes: Battery live-bulb-point. Then magneto casing to other battery terminal, if it's an off-bike battery. May be the moving point or the other one, depending what sort of points plate you have. The bulb should light, then go out when the points open.
You won't find it makes you bike go any better than tugging on a fag paper or piece of cellophane, to find where the point open.
If you want meaningful accuracy, check timing with a strobe lamp.
Use a small bulb like an oil warning lamp.
Circuit goes: Battery live-bulb-point. Then magneto casing to other battery terminal, if it's an off-bike battery. May be the moving point or the other one, depending what sort of points plate you have. The bulb should light, then go out when the points open.
You won't find it makes you bike go any better than tugging on a fag paper or piece of cellophane, to find where the point open.
If you want meaningful accuracy, check timing with a strobe lamp.
Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
Triton...I set the timing on my Bantam B!&% a few weeks ago with the test lamp idea.
I still have a strobe test for years gone by...love to try it on the bantam but I have no mark for it to be of any use and the manual only gives 16.5 deg BTC...so I can only use a timing disc wheel.
Any tip on using a strobe and would I still aim for 16.5deg BTDC.
I have tried to strobe on the bike and it still works fine.
Nick.
I still have a strobe test for years gone by...love to try it on the bantam but I have no mark for it to be of any use and the manual only gives 16.5 deg BTC...so I can only use a timing disc wheel.
Any tip on using a strobe and would I still aim for 16.5deg BTDC.
I have tried to strobe on the bike and it still works fine.
Nick.
Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
If you struggle with a light, get a cheapo multi meter (£6ish) and some small crocodile clips. Ignition/voltage off, set meter to resistance and connect across the points. Same result as a light. When the points open, the meter will go open circuit.
Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
Is there an inspection cover to the generator (or anything spinning once per rev)? Just set the engine to 16.5BTDC & draw a mark with paint. IIRC my Bonnie manual shows how to create a pointer out of bent wire for such situations.nickjaxe wrote: I still have a strobe test for years gone by...love to try it on the bantam but I have no mark for it to be of any use and the manual only gives 16.5 deg BTC...so I can only use a timing disc wheel.
Classics ain't built in Metric
Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
I did try something like that I marked the stator....with the strobe it was reading aprox 12BTDC...it that to be expected.
Re: Ignition Timing using a light bulb
With no real idea at all, it doesn't sound too bad to me.
The only other figures I can recall is MG Midgets run 10 degrees BTDC & T140s are 38degrees on full advance.
The only other figures I can recall is MG Midgets run 10 degrees BTDC & T140s are 38degrees on full advance.
Classics ain't built in Metric