Forum

[Riggers]

You are right Pete about air leaks, and of course if they were serious enough then oil wouldn't be drawn up the tube at all and the method would fail completely and accurate timing would probably be the least of your worries!. However if the leaks are minimal (as in my case) and the tube is marked beforehand it shouldn't matter. The air leaks would be consistent and apply equally to both your BTDC and ATDC markings. Additionally it is a very easy thing to repeat the checks several times to ensure your markings are correct.

[papasmurf]

Our hosts sell a dead centre finder at a cheap price.
PART No. DESCRIPTION PRICE

E0003 TOP DEAD CENTRE TOOL £7.50


Or then more expensive dogs dangly bits version:-

PART No. DESCRIPTION PRICE

98364 DIAL GAUGE 0-10mm WITH ADAPTOR £35.00

[Riggers]

Thanks papasmurf. Unfortunately these gauges are not very accurate at FINDING Top Dead Centre. The dial gauge will work reasonably well once you have found TDC. But thanks for pointing them out.

[Frank]

Just watch the TDC tool, compression can blow the rod out and you can end up with a chipped or dented tank!

[papasmurf]

They are accurate if you know how to use them. (You also need in my experience to find TDC whilst rotating the engine the normal direction of travel, due to possible backlash somewhere in the system, which can be a lot on an old engine.)
Handy website, I expect someone here can tell you the con rod length, (distance between centres.)

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_software2.htm

[Norm]

What is wrong with a simple drink straw, not talking MotoGP here, simple bloody Enfields

[simon]

I generally use a bit of stick down the plug hole marked with a fine point pen but I appreciate the idea. Don't want to sound like Polyanna here guys but jumping down someone's throat for taking the time to share an idea is hardly good manners or indeed a good why to find stuff out that you didn't know.

[mauri]

yep, im beginning to sound like a broken record.



but once again, the one siting on it or the one tinkering with it.

[Leon Novello]

I have a piece of wire coat hanger with appropriate file marks, with a bend in one end so it can`t fall in (sticks and pencils can break). However, as the engine runs fully advanced, it`s better to set the timing in that position, the same as other bikes are set by holding the plate in the advanced position, BSA suggest a wooden wedge. Fully advanced is 8.5mm or 21/64" or 32 degrees. This information can be found in the menu on the left, Technical Notes, Timing.

[Scalyback]

Riggers... I hope this doesn't put you off posting in the forum.



I guess a little more care in some of the replies so that they read as the poster intended?



Life is what we make it. Let's make it better for all.