Topic: Timing Light and Dynamic Timing

[cjackel]

Ok, I'll try to make this clear.

I will be pointing a strobe timing light at the timing marks with the engine running.

If the timing needs to be adjusted, according to the Dynamic Timing procedure, the engine will be running while I adjust the breaker plate
to get the timing marks aligned.

Do I risk getting shocked with my hands rotating the breaker plate while the engine is running?

[damn_yankee]

look at the reply in your original post.

[my78k]

As per the answer on your previous post...no

I adjusted mine with no gloves and as long as you are just handling the plate you are fine...ofcourse I didn't think to ask first...good thing it wasn't an issue...ofcourse whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger!

Dennis

[Jay B]

Do I risk getting shocked with my hands rotating the breaker plate while the engine is running?

Nope, there's only 12 volt DC behind the points cover. Now the spark plug leads are a different story.

[crazypj]

When the secondary field collapses it induces a reverse field in the primary windings which is much higher than 12 volts supplied by battery. Thats why you have capacitors to prevent points from burning. I havnt measured voltage but we have enough 'geeks' here to fully explain it  ( I saw the poll )
PJ

[BobbyR]

I you loosen the screws on the plate too much you will get some impressive sparks and the engine will miss like crazy. The plate is a ground to the engine case. If you did get a shock we are talking static electricity grade.

[HondaMan]

I measured the "recoil" voltage on the points at slightly less than 400 volts, if the capacitor (condensor) is open. (That's how I designed my first transistorized ignition for my first 750, circa 1971.)

If the plate were super-loose and the engine somehow still ran, this would feel like a strong static spark (I've felt it, not bad) if it bit you. Be brave!