Topic: Tune-up's & tools?

[csendker]

I was wandering through Sears the other day, and stopped by the automotive tool section.  I know I used to have a timing light, but it's long since gone.  Sears has several models with different features, engine analyzers, and all sorts of spiffy mechanic's tools.  What should a good, solid tool set include for basic maintenance & tune-up's.  Which timing light?  Do the analyzers work on these bikes?  Compression gauges?  Feeler gauges?  Are they different for the tappets?  I'm looking for suggestions so I can gather a collection together before the riding season begins in earnest.

Thanks.

[hymodyne]

I've gone through two sets of feeler gauges for valves; bending them slightly, like the front of a snowski helps them fit into the tappet cover opening easier, but it also seems to weaken them, shortening their useability. A light bulb wire set up with alligator clips works to check timing at the points. I have a compression tester on my wish list, along with a carb sync tool.



FAQ's has many threads that will assist you.

hym

[Gordon]

I found a set of feeler guages several years ago that have a 45 deg. bend in them.  Makes getting into those tight tappet holes much easier.  You'll need a spark plug gap wire guage as well.  I have a 12v tester light for static timing and the cheapest strobe light I could find that has worked great for five years now, and a cheap engine analyzer to read RPM's and set the dwell perfectly that I've had for ten years.   

[Paul]

Feeler gauges are cheap. Bend 'em, Use 'em, Brake 'em, Replace'em.
Timing light....make sure that it can handle the RPM., Clip on's are handiest.