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[Creaky45]

Klutz, I have the Hitchcocks TDC finder but when the piston is at the top you can still rotate the motor a bit without the piston moving it seems. So it is a bit hit and miss as to where you put your index mark. I reckon the same would apply with a dial gauge but I don't have one so I don't know. In my estimation because of this, my TDC mark could be up to 3 degrees either way so at idle we could be between 5 and 11 degrees which sound like a lot. However the strobe is ideal for checking the amount of advance which told me my back plate was worn and advancing too much. JB weld fixed it. Why did they not put an index mark on the alternator? Every other engine has some marking. Anyhow, that's Enfield. We're getting away from your original problem but thanks for your input. Don't get me started on jetting.

[papasmurf]

Creaky45, when using a caliper or depth gauge, it is necessary to note what the high point is, and then spin the engine again in it normal direction of rotation and stop as soon as you reach the high point.
Then spin the engine again until the gauge is at the required distance from TDC.

[scotty]

hi found a better way to set ign timing, tdc on firing stroke mark with fine point texta across rotor and stator, bit of clear plastic you use to gap alt mark a line across plastic as tdc measure from that 17mm mark that gives 26degrees btdc make a other mark at 21mm from tdc mark this gives 32 degrees btdc start bike run to just over half throttle turn on strobe if rotor mark does not line up with 32 deg mark move dist back plate til it does. if you are still running points check your points gap first also check no excess play on points as this will affect timing.ps set the plastic tdc mark in line with tdc mark on rotor / stator.

[Creaky45]

Scotty, I think I will start a new thread re timing with a strobe as I am interested to hear other opinions and also clarify some of your ideas. I will call it Timing with a Strobe.