Gentlemen,
Thanks for all your advice in response to my previous post re timing.
I have spent a frustrating afternoon trying to get my engine started; thus far without success.I appreciate that the figure of 34 degrees BTDC is always quoted because of the vagaries of the unit at low revs. This in itself creates the problem of setting the AAR to full advance, either by inserting spacers behind the weights or rotating the cam to achieve this.
As an initial step, I want to set the timing at TDC with no advance. I will then adjust by rotating the backplate as necessary. To help me do this, can anyone identify a landmark with which I can align the slot in the end of the AAR to give me a starting point which will at least get the engine started.
Thanks in anticipation, I look forward to enlightenment.
Setting up points can be quite tedious and time consuming. Which is why I stopped Using them on most of my bikes.
An inexpensive Electronic Ignition is the (Wassel) Vape, another one is the Boyer but the vape is a better unit.
Another favourite of mine is the Trispark. Though probably the most expensive on the market, my 823cc A65 runs super smooth with it. I have a Pazon surefire on my other A65, it's better than the Boyer but not as good as the Trispark.
Only downside I've found with the Trispark and the Boyer is they can be quite sensitive to cross talk through the wiring if it is too close, or with some regulators. I've no issues using the Boyer powerbox regulator rectifier or the Trispark version.
Sorry it doesn't directly answer your question, but it will get you out and using the bike. Just set the desired degrees before TDC. The timing marks given on any unit are for full advance, align the marks. Tighten it up and then fine tune using a strobe gun. Timing off one side will be suitable for both pots, which having points won't be.
Gentlemen,
An update on progress. Electronic ignition seems to be the way to go, although the idea of adding more electrickery and the potential for problems gives me some concerns.
For the present, I have persisted with the standard set up. Having re-set everything many times I have finally achieved success! Having an arthritic right ankle I cannot kick it hard enough to start it, so I use a paddock starter, which in itself adds a measure of excitement. I had previously been using this to turn the engine in second gear on the basis that this would enable the rear wheel to grip the rollers better. In a final act of desperation yesterday I tried using first gear and lo and behold, it fired up and ran! So I am now the proud owner of a functioning Lightning.
Many thanks for all the tips and suggestions.
Nice work Martin!
Does your bike have the 9:1 pistons in it or did you fit 7.5:1 pistons? My lightning originally had 7.5:1 pistons in when I first built it, I could even start it by hand! general performance was no worse than the 9:1 pistons, if anything there was a little bit less top speed.
If you do decide to go the electronic ignition route in the future, I can say with great confidence that my 823cc motor with A10 crank and B44 pistons is really easy to kick over with the Trispark fitted, I originally fitted a spare pazon unit I had, and the bike was much harder to start - same with the points ignition.
Important thing with anything electronic is the other components in the circuit need to also be in good condition also.
Regards
Allan