Hi to all
While I'm waiting for a new primary side gasket to arrive, I'd be grateful for any advice on a couple of things, namely timing and the four spring clutch on my 1965 registered A65R Rocket.
I fitted a Pazon system a while ago and initially set the timing using the owners manual rod down the spark plug hole method. The red dot on the rotor is in the middle of the hole in the stator plate. I did it again the other day using a degree wheel and marker on the compression stroke on the left cylinder and set it to 34degrees BTDC and the red dot is still in the middle of the hole as it should be so I'm pretty sure it's set correctly for static timing.
So the question I have is it necessary to strobe the timing or will it run quite happily as is. I have the strobe gun and a car battery but am on my own so would have to set up a camera somehow and would prefer not to upset the neighbours. Will it make much difference?
Finally if there is anyone out there with this model of A65 (1964-1965) can you please let me know where you get the correct springs and plain clutch plates from.
I've ordered both from different suppliers but everyone seems to use the same parts book and the springs are 10mm too long and too stiff and the plates don't fit without filing.
I did bring this up with Draganfly but got no response.
The ones I have came with the bike but will need changing at some point as will the plates. The only option would be to change to a 3 spring clutch if feasible just so I can readily get spares.
Sorry this is so long but thanks and regards.
Clarke
Hi,
The plain plates are very difficult to find as the drive tabs are different. It may be possible to alter the 'wrong' ones carefully with a file.
Fair Deals have the springs and they come with cups but make sure they send the right ones as I had to send some back.
The static timing should be fine. I find that revving the engine to 4000rpm whilst stationary a bit disconcerting as the bike starts to dance about the shed.
Dave.
The static timing is OK as a stop gap but the strobe will give you the actual fully advanced timing which may be slightly different. I see the Pazon has an electronic advance, I fitted my A65 with a Lucas RITA which also had electronic advance. I found it worth using the strobe and getting it spot on, the engine was sensitive to timing.
Its also useful to observe the advance as you rev up and confirm the revs at which it goes full advanced.
I painted the timing marks, this made them much easier to see so I could get a reading quicker.
Thanks both for replying.
I'm a bit like you Dave regarding the revs. I rarely go that high only usually about 3500rpm max as the bike is 60 years old but I see what you're saying too rob as far as getting it spot on. I've marked TDC and 34 degrees BTDC on the stator too and thought about using the graduated marks on the plate to fine tune.
The clutch and gear change have been an issue from getting the bike. I did leave a link to a video I made and put on YouTube in a previous post about how bad it was.
I spent a lot of time getting the gear change working better but I still sometimes don't get into neutral before stopping.
The clutch can't be set as per the book ie top of the studs level with the top of the spring nuts. This compresses the springs too much and it really difficult to get the pressure plate to lift.
I have the nuts eased off until the stud tops are about 2mm from the top.
This means there is no slip or drag. I have noticed though that as the bike gets hotter the gear change becomes clunkier coming down the box an also when I select first.
I'm going to try Automotive transmission fluid this time to see if that helps.
Thanks again and best regards
Clarke
I get what you are saying about revs, I don't rev my Road Rocket above 3500. But the A65 is an over square engine that likes to rev. I had 10:1 pistons in mine and with the spitfire cam revving over 5500 opened a whole world of excitement ;D That however was when the bike (and I) were a lot younger.
The clutch plates from draganfly are correct shape but not cut to the right spec. They need their supplier to alter the kerf on their laser cutter.
Hi,
Well like I said I contacted them regarding the springs and the plates, both of which I ordered from them among several other things but got no reply. So they are aware of the issue.
Regards
Clarke