Spark advance installation question

I smashed up my ignition well enough that I am starting from scratch with no example to go from (since I didn't take the unit apart to learn how it looks unbroken).

I have ordered a new DynaS ignition and have found the correct spark advancer from a pile at the local junkyard.

What do I need to know to put the spark advancer in correctly?

Are there adjustments to be made?

Do I need a timing light?

What problems will I confront?

(Still haven't unpacked/found the manual yet).

If the DynaS kit you bought is new and not missing anything, IIRC it should include a new spark advancer. Of course this is info I recall from about 5 years ago, and my memory isn't quite as sharp as it once was. :S

It's actually a pretty simple install, and should probably take you only about 1/2 hour to have it done and your bike up and running nicely. At least that's roughly about how long I recall it taking me to install the one on my KZ650, and it made a world of difference over the OE points and condensers setup!

the advance unit just slides on the crank end, the crank end has a nipple that fits into the advance unit easy you'll be fine

Yes, you should get a new advancer plate, everything included. Note: DO NOT use the blue connector provided, solder that connection.... trust me.

The dynaS was in the bike pre-crash. And I am not sure where the settings were as they were smashed.

Those crimp on connectors are almost useless I agree Sir.

I will just slide that sucker on and wait for the new ignition to come in the mail.

Once that is done, what adjustments will I need to make?
Timing gun needed?

Oh, and thanks again for the offers for the ignition covers to Rollingstock, baldy110 and Bluemeanie.

It doesn't come with a new advancer, it comes with a new rotor that you mount to the stock advancer. The new rotor has a magnet glued in and it replaces the old points cam.

You don't absolutely need a timing light, but it would help when checking the advancer operation. You can set the timing statically like you would with points. It should be explained in the instructions.

If not, all you have to do is measure the voltage on the black coil wire for 1,4 timing, and the green coil wire for 2,3 timing. When the voltage goes from 0v (or close to 0v) to 12v, that's when the spark would occur. The F mark on the advancer should be lined up at that point.

Make sure you're turning it forward and not backward. The 650 crank turns the same direction as the wheels. (Some twins go the other way.)

Post edited by: loudhvx, at: 2008/03/01 18:55

Yes, you should get a new advancer plate, everything included.

Yes, my mistake loudhvx, I was thinking of the points mounting plate. You get a new plate and rotor with the Dyna but still retain original advancer. My apologies...

I was actually referring to Retro's post. It must be old age making his memory fuzzy... :laugh:

... or all that sun, ...which we don't get

Post edited by: loudhvx, at: 2008/03/01 19:10

loudhvx wrote:

I was actually referring to Retro's post. It must be old age making his memory fuzzy... :laugh:

... or all that sun, ...which we don't get <br><br>Post edited by: loudhvx, at: 2008/03/01 19:10

Guilty as charged on both counts! :laugh:

Of course, todays weather isn't "rider friendly" enough (low/solid cloud cover, about 50* with a 15~20mph wind) for me to hit the roads. :whistle:

RetroRiceRocketRider wrote:

...Of course, todays weather isn't "rider friendly" enough (low/solid cloud cover, about 50* with a 15~20mph wind) for me to hit the roads. :whistle:

Oh yeah, I'll feel sorry for you... as I go out to chisel through the 1/2" of ice surrounding the garage.