Forum

[PO51UHD]

Hi
I fitted one of our host's modified TDI boxes to my Electra X. Wouldn't start on the kick but nearly broke my ankle with kick-back and bent the kick-start lever! Over-advanced I hear you say...
Tried the original TDI to check - fired up first kick...
Replacement TDI did the same thing so went down our host's 'bent woodruff key' route, initially with 8 deg (wouldn't start on kick or e-start, and wouldn't start at all on standard TDI)
Tried a 4 deg - same problem.
On the offchance, I tried measuring volts at the TDI when cranking - only 8.5 volts.
Fitted a new battery - still only 9 volts
In the meantime I've taken my primary chaincase to a mate to create an inspection hole so I can strobe the engine to see what's happening.
Question 1: is the TDI sensitive to low voltage (like some of the Boyers were)?
Question 2: any suggestions as to how I can get the thing running (so I can strobe it)?
Any help gratefully received
(and by the way, our hosts have been very helpful with this, supplying woodruffs etc to try, so no complaints there, I just feel I need some independent practical help please!)

[Frank]

I would be most interested to hear the opinions of the experienced in these units too, as I have one which is pending fittment. Once the primary case has been modified to allow for the strobe I would put everything back to standard, original TCI and woodruff key and use that timing as the reference point. The manual says it should be 5 degrees BTDC, presumably that is the static or idle setting before the timing is advanced as the revs rise. If this is out then you can use the stepped keys to adjust accordingly. At least you will then know that the timing is correct before you replace the TCI unit. As far as I understand it the new TCI modifies/ improves the advance curve so I guess the initial/ static timing will be unchanged between the new and old units. There was a thread on here some time back, which I can't find now, regarding the wiring being wrong causing problems, perhaps someone else can remember the problem/outcome?

[Frank]

Ok, found this in the history, I stand corrected!


Paul Henshaw

Subject: Carb or injection

Hi Stu,

The performance cdi [tci if you prefer] will give about 4 degrees more retard at starting and lower engine speeds, and about 4 degrees more advance at higher engine speeds, so an extra 8 degrees timing range from end to end. As far as I know, I was the first to fit one to an Electra X, when I tuned one as the basis of the performance kit sold by our hosts.