Author Topic: Timing my A10 for first time  (Read 3201 times)

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Marka10

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Timing my A10 for first time
« on: 28 June, 2018, 08:50:44 »
I bought a A10 12 months ago and want to set Engine Timing, my first time. I have a device to go into the spark plug to measure top dead centre and to set advance at 11/32 inch. Is this the best method or should a degree wheel be use, what is the degree setting for a A10.

Mark

JulianS

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #1 on: 28 June, 2018, 09:49:43 »
I used the distance method fo many years without any problems, the real issues being establishing exactly when engine at TDC and exactly when the points are just opening.

The advantage being you dont need to remove the primary chaincase outer nor source and fit a degree disc.

I now use an SRM degree disc fitted to an SRM crankshaft nut. SRM recommend 33 degrees for iron head engine in their electronic mag kit instructions.

It is usual for there to be a difference between the cyinders with a magneto, due to manufacturing tolerances and wear, sometimes up to 5 degrees

Marka10

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #2 on: 28 June, 2018, 10:56:25 »
hi Julian

Thank you for your reply, do you use paper to determine when the points have just opened.

Also, currently the bike is fitted with a manual advance, I have a auto advance, is it worth fitting?

Cheers

Mark

JulianS

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #3 on: 28 June, 2018, 11:21:04 »
I have used the cigarette paper method and it works OK but now prefer a mag timing light.

Manual and auto advance mags have different parts.

The end housing are different as are the cam rings.

To use an auto advance on a manual mag you would need to use the appropriate cam ring. You can use it in the manual end housing but you might need to loctite it.

Auto advance cam ring in photo 1.

Manual cam ring in photo 2.

Auto or manual cam ring, can be used in either in photo 3.

Auto or manual is a matter of personal preference.
« Last Edit: 28 June, 2018, 11:28:04 by JulianS »

JulianS

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #4 on: 28 June, 2018, 11:33:41 »
Auto end houding photo 1.

Manual end housing photo 2.

Marka10

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #5 on: 28 June, 2018, 12:41:43 »
hi Julian

With Auto sprocket fitted, could you leave the manual mag housing and lever fitted but not move the lever.

And, could you then use the lever to adjust the timing, if not set right first time and find the position to leave the lever at, once timing is right.

Mark

JulianS

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #6 on: 28 June, 2018, 13:47:01 »
 Not tried it but sound like it should work. I seem to remember some fitted such to some Triumphs to allow more advance for fast work.

Let us know how you get on.
« Last Edit: 28 June, 2018, 13:49:18 by JulianS »

Richard Mills

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #7 on: 28 June, 2018, 17:15:13 »
Used the 'manual plus auto' idea in the 60's on my plunger A10, found it useful.

Marka10

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Re: Timing my A10 for first time
« Reply #8 on: 29 June, 2018, 10:47:07 »
thank you for advice, I will try the man auto combination and let you know.

Mark