Author Topic: Strobe Timing Light  (Read 1817 times)

Offline Terryb

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Strobe Timing Light
« on: 28.03. 2020 17:29 »
Can anyone tell me why, when checking the timing using a strobe light. It works fine on one cylinder, but not the other? I've tried swapping the leads over, but still only works on the one lead. The bike is 1955 A7SS fitted with electronic ignition in the mag. Thanks

Online bsa-bill

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #1 on: 28.03. 2020 18:04 »
IIRC if your using a strobe light that clips on a plug lead it matters which way the clip is on the lead, or put another way which way the charge that produces the spark travels through the clip.
All the best - Bill
1961 Flash - stock, reliable, steady, fantastic for shopping
1959 Rocket Gold Flash - blinged and tarted up  would have seizure if taken to  Tesco

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #2 on: 28.03. 2020 18:06 »
 Daft as it seems, is it actually running on two cylinders?

  Single feed in, twin output lead coil, dead spark system? You would think the output from each plug lead would be the same. Maybe it is designed that way, and no one else has bothered checking both leads with a strobe. Is the spark the same from each lead, or one a definite weakling?

 Swarfy.

Offline a10 gf

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #3 on: 28.03. 2020 18:31 »
Should work. Maybe try putting the clamp the other way around on the lead that does not trigger, as my findings shows one spark voltage is negative, the other positive. Your strobe may mind :O)

https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=1375.msg9915#msg9915

Spark pictures:
https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=1412


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Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #4 on: 28.03. 2020 18:47 »
To be honest, I've not tried reversing it, I'll have a go in the morning. Thanks

Offline BSA_54A10

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #5 on: 29.03. 2020 15:38 »
Well do it
Double ended coils produce a + spark at one plug & a - spark at the other
The inductive pick up generally has a arrow on it so upside down should work fine.
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Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #6 on: 29.03. 2020 19:54 »
Ok.
I've checked the spark strength visually on both leads and they appear to be both the same.
I've reversed the electrode on the No.1 lead and nothing.
I've checked the No.1 without the No.2 plug lead connected, nothing.

Offline a10 gf

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #7 on: 29.03. 2020 20:01 »
Was replying too fast, now reading it's an electronic, then there should be no + or - spark (?).
Am curious, post a picture of your test setup\device ?


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Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #8 on: 30.03. 2020 11:34 »
Don't have a Test Rig, but here is the Thorspark trigger unit and Twin Coils.

Took the bike out for 5 mile run and seems to run OK, pulls well, no pinking and ticks over nicely. Still getting kick-back when starting, so I'm going to to have another look at the timing, it's such a tiny adjustment to the rota which makes a big difference to the timing.

Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #9 on: 30.03. 2020 11:36 »
He's a daft question.

What if I set the timing up on No.2 Cylinder?

Offline Swarfcut

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #10 on: 30.03. 2020 12:09 »
 With no strobe output from that lead, how would you do it?

 Time for a call to Thorspark, or perhaps someone with the same system can give it a try.  I thought Thorspark used a single coil with twin outputs sparking both cylinders at the same time, a so called dead spark arrangement. So maybe I'm wrong.

 If you have sparks from both, it runs OK, leave it alone for now and put it down as a mystery.

 RoyC fitted a Thorspark, worth an ask.

 Swarfy.

Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #11 on: 30.03. 2020 13:25 »
RoyC, thanks for the input. I will call Thorspark. I think your right, I just need someone to assure me that if I swap the leads over the spark that I can see from the Strobe is for that cylinder.  In the past I've had no problem using the strobe on either lead, somethink has changed!

Offline Terryb

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #12 on: 30.03. 2020 15:26 »
Thorspark has said that you can swap the leads over. *smile*

Online Colsbeeza

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #13 on: 14.08. 2023 03:42 »
A question from the electrically-challenged :-
I have an old Gee-Jay Timeoscope Model 33 which I purchased in about 1969. I used it on the old 6 Volt Holden FX, but the strobe light was a dull yellow - a close match for my aging eyes. *cry*
Time to get a new one. I haven't used a strobe yet, but keen to give it a go. What recommendations for my magneto A10?  Preferably cheap - ALDI, Supercheap etc.
Col
1961 Golden Flash
Australia

Online muskrat

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Re: Strobe Timing Light
« Reply #14 on: 14.08. 2023 09:19 »
G'day Col.
This is the Super Cheap one I use https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/toolpro-toolpro-professional-angled-timing-light/385507.html
There is one similar from Onlineautoparts https://tinyurl.com/3eu86frc
They tell you the revs while your strobing.
I use an external 12v battery rather than the bikes.
Cheers
'51 A7 plunger, '57 A7SS racer now a A10CR, '78 XT500, '83 CB1100F, 88 HD FXST, 2000 CBR929RR ex Honda Australia Superbike .
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