Topic: Understanding Timing plate

[Chris Liston]

Sorry if its been discussed but I've search and couldn't find

I'm getting ready to adjust point gaps and timing on my 550F.

In reading the timing rotor?  It has T and 1.4 F  with 2 hash marks on either side.  I know these hash marks line up with th e mark on the engine case but what are the 2 for and which one should line up, the first or second mark. 

T = TDC and F = Fire  right?

Sorry for the dumb post but if I don't ask I won't know.

[paulages]

yes. use F for timing, and T for adjusting valves, cam chain etc. the hash after the F is where it should be at full advance.

[Chris Liston]

Paul,

Thanks, I need to be alittle more specific though.   On the timing plate it looks like this.

| |                | |
   T 1-4            F  1-4

My little drawing is not exact but which one of those hash marks line up with the motor,  1st or 2nd one?  I'd assume this is same for valve adjustment too.

Thanks

[TwoTired]

The T marks are for tappets,  The F mark is for timing.  I line the notch on the engine case directly between the two F marks for static time.

Cheers,

[paulages]

i must be remembering wrong, as i thought there was only one mark at T. anyway, i static time mine at the first F line, then check with the strobe that it hits the second line while running at full advance.

[bryanj]

As you rotate the engine clockwise looking at the points you should see through a circular hole where the static mark is, in order, two lines slightly apart; "F" with a line; "T" with a line
NOW there are TWO "SETS" of marks, one labeled 1-4 the other 2-3.

The two lines are for checking the advance with a strobe;
The "F" is for points opening (FIRE);
The "T" is for Top Dead Centre (Cam Timing).

Both "F" & "T" are when the respective LINE joins with the static mark NOT the letter.

Hope that helps.

PS Points gap is 0.35mm or 14 thou and WILL alter when you rotate the points plate-----It takes some time and/or practice to get both gap and timing EXACTLY right

[upperlake04]

 A related question - What to do when the timing doesn't seem to be able to be adjusted to agree with the lines at both idle and full advance?  Points are set with feelers to 14 th, static timed to F, then when when the advance timing is set with the strobe, the idle timing on both sets is slightly retarded? 

[scondon]

A related question - What to do when the timing doesn't seem to be able to be adjusted to agree with the lines at both idle and full advance?  Points are set with feelers to 14 th, static timed to F, then when when the advance timing is set with the strobe, the idle timing on both sets is slightly retarded? 

   Increasing the points gap will advance "F" timing, decreasing the gap will retard "F" timing( or do I have this backwards). Advance timing will not be affected. Try gapping at .016.

   If your bike is idling well then you can choose to just leave it where it is

[motomotard]

is than anyway to check advance w/o a gun?

[snoop]

This is been long wanted by me.  This should go in the FAQ under timing. 

[Gordon]

is than anyway to check advance w/o a gun?

You can twist the points cam by hand to ensure the advance mechanism is moving freely, but you need a strobe to see if it's advancing properly while the engine is running.