Just saying..

[Greybeard]

Today I've invested in a lifetime supply of mag timing devices and very good they are!

[RichardL]

I've had to explain this tool to family more than once.

[Rgs-Bill]

Today I've invested in a lifetime supply of mag timing devices and very good they are!

   I am with Greybeard, the cig paper has worked perfect for me for 40 plus years, and I have 2 lifetime supplies of magneto point setting Tools.  My Super Rocket motor, HHC, on really crummy US gasoline, runs best at 3/8 BTDC.  92 octane is the most that I can get.  Mine is a 62 RGS-HHC motor.   

[muskrat]

I gave up rollies years ago but I still have a pack of Tally-Ho's in the tool box.
I prefer to use degrees BTDC and use a timing disc on the cush nut. Both my A7 and A10 have one permanently mounted. Although both are Boyer ignited and easy to adjust I use the fag paper and timing disc on magy equiped bikes.
Fuel and compression play a big part in correct timing. High compression needs a bit more retard and high octane needs a little advance. So my Cafe with 10.5:1 and using 102 octane (98 plus booster)  is good at standard 3/8" timing. My A7 is low 7.5:1 but using the same fuel needs to be advanced to 3/8". My rule of thumb is to advance till it pings then back off a tad.
Cheers

[Joolstacho]

Ah yes, we can look forward to setting the timing and remembering the smokin' daze. 

[nimrod650]

bulb and a battery

[chaterlea25]

Hi All,

bulb and a battery

That wont work with a magneto (unless you remove the points centre screw}

I have one of the magneto timers that has a light and bleeper 

John

[jachenbach]

Must have been another thread where Richard L suggested hanging an alligator clip, which will then pull the paper out as the points open. I just had to go out to the shop and try it. What a great and simple solution. Much easier than turning the wheel or pressing the kickstart while trying to keep tension with my fingers, and I'm sure it should be much more consistent. Why didn't I think of that?????? As only a thin strip of paper is needed, my pack of Bugler papers should last a long time unless I take up smoking again.

[duTch]

 I've never done fags anyway but've using tin foil which is hard to measure,  best I can read is ~half a thou  - and I use my foot to do the wheel- bit by bit

[RichardL]

Jeff,

Thanks for the compliment. My goal is to get something right at least once every 500 posts.

Richard L.

[duTch]

 

.... but've using tin foil which is hard to measure,  best I can read is ~half a thou   

 (^^Thickness^^)

 And the half roll I still have should last however many lifetimes I need to get it right...

[mikeb]

being modern at heart , I'm with Chatterlea on the buzzer box - the queensland vintage bike or bsa club had a page on making a magneto buzzer by adapting a cheap jaycar kitset thing. easy enough to make for most of you practical types. and less to explain to the family.
i could probably find the circuit if asked

[cyclobutch]

 I've never done fags anyway but've using tin foil which is hard to measure,  best I can read is ~half a thou  - and I use my foot to do the wheel- bit by bit

I'm having trouble getting it to work with my pipe.

[Greybeard]

Last time I timed the mag I used my digital multimeter to detect the small difference in resistance between points closed and open. I tried to do the same this week but gave up because I couldn't see a clear difference; it must be just a few ohms, (the battery may be low in the meter). I thought I might as well hang the expense and invest in some Rizlas; so much easier! I do have a home made device to stop the piston at the correct BTDC which helps the process. Plugs out, fourth gear selected, left hand gently tugging the paper strip, right hand turning the back wheel forward. The croc clip idea sounds great; next time..

[Joolstacho]

Another way is to place a trannie radio (No, tranSISTOR radio, not an LGBTIQ one), tune it between stations, near points.
You should hear a click as the points open.
(Try chillum duTch?)