Electronic Timing

Ive got a 81 kz550 an the points are messed up from being layed down. I adjusted them to the max point and the bike runs but not well. Ive seen electronic timing systems out there anyone have any exp. with instaling them or now if this will fix my problem

Post edited by: j_bizach, at: 2008/02/03 14:58

I'm confused... if it's an '81 you should have electronic ignition. Double check your year bike? But if indeed you do have points, a Dyna S is pretty much an easy bolt in mod. After installing mine, it was a night and day difference in how the bike started!

Post edited by: Bluemeanie, at: 2008/02/03 16:19

On a points ignition, the 1/4 cylinder TIMING is adjusted by rotating the points backing plate. You use an inductive timing light to check timing... loosen the three mount screws and with the bike idling, rotate the plate to set timing. You have T and F marks on your mechanical advance and you align the T with the mark on the case. Once you have the 1/4 timing correct, tighten the 3 plate mount screws and loosen the two small screws on the right hand points which are the 2/3 points. Put the pickup clip on the #4 plugwire and start the bike and recheck. To adjust the 2/3 timing, you pivot the 2/3 points assembly itself and not the plate. If you find you run out of adjustment, you may have to loosen the 1/4 points and move them in the opposite direction and reset the 1/4 timing using the plate rotation and go back to the 2/3 points. The 1/4 points may have moved during the accident. Just keep in mind that the point is to have the two sets of points 180 degrees apart relative to each other and across from each other with the crank in the middle. If you made adjustments with the points plate, and turned the plate all the way, one way or the other, it might make it hard to set the 2/3 points since there is little adjustment with the points mount screws themselves.

OK... if you get a Dyna S, you adjust the timing the SAME WAY as with the points. The main advantage is that once done, that is it... no further adjustments. Clean/lube the mechanical advance while in there as well... use dielectric grease. After doing any timing, rev the engine and see if the advance works smoothly... it should go from the T mark and rotate smoothly to full advance. You will see it rotate when you rev at about 3K rpm.

wiredgeorge wrote:

On a points ignition, the 1/4 cylinder TIMING is adjusted by rotating the points backing plate. You use an inductive timing light to check timing... loosen the three mount screws and with the bike idling, rotate the plate to set timing. You have T and F marks on your mechanical advance and you align the T with the mark on the case. Once you have the 1/4 timing correct, tighten the 3 plate mount screws and loosen the two small screws on the right hand points which are the 2/3 points. Put the pickup clip on the #4 plugwire and start the bike and recheck. To adjust the 2/3 timing, you pivot the 2/3 points assembly itself and not the plate. If you find you run out of adjustment, you may have to loosen the 1/4 points and move them in the opposite direction and reset the 1/4 timing using the plate rotation and go back to the 2/3 points. The 1/4 points may have moved during the accident. Just keep in mind that the point is to have the two sets of points 180 degrees apart relative to each other and across from each other with the crank in the middle. If you made adjustments with the points plate, and turned the plate all the way, one way or the other, it might make it hard to set the 2/3 points since there is little adjustment with the points mount screws themselves.

OK... if you get a Dyna S, you adjust the timing the SAME WAY as with the points. The main advantage is that once done, that is it... no further adjustments. Clean/lube the mechanical advance while in there as well... use dielectric grease. After doing any timing, rev the engine and see if the advance works smoothly... it should go from the T mark and rotate smoothly to full advance. You will see it rotate when you rev at about 3K rpm.

To do ignition timing you use the F mark, not the T mark. T is for top-dead-center and is used in valve timing. F is for fire and is used to check the ignition timing at idle.