1980 - 84 BT timing specs?

[dynarider]

I've got these timing numbers from the Clymer '59 - '85 Sportster manual (points until 1979)

ign. retarded 1959 - 1971 15 (degrees BTDC)

ign. advanced 1959 - 1971 45 (degrees BTDC)

ign. retarded 1972 - 1978 10 (degrees BTDC)

ign. advanced 1972 - 1978 40 (degrees BTDC)

1980 - 1982 (degrees BTDC)
Start 8
Fast idle 20
2,000 RPM + 40


Does anyone have similar information for the 1980 - 1984 BT's, FLH, FLT, FXE, FXR?

Thanks! I'm looking at using a newer ignition on a '72.


-- Sent with

 

[Jack Klarich]

Setting Ignition Timing on your Harley have a look here, do you have points or electronic ignition? Keep in mind the width of the timing window and allow for a few degrees

 

[Jack Klarich]

Stock ignition rule of thumb start @ 35 degrees

 

[dynarider]

I have points and am thinking of going electronic to lose the points and mechanical advance unit. These older ignitions are a little scarce. Some of the newer models go as far as 55 degrees advance & 40 degrees is what I'm shooting for.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I have points and am thinking of going electronic to lose the points and mechanical advance unit. These older ignitions are a little scarce. Some of the newer models go as far as 55 degrees advance & 40 degrees is what I'm shooting for.

Keep in mind the width of the timing hole accounts for about 10 degrees:s

 

[dynarider]

I suppose you could compensate for a unit with 55 deg. advance up top, but that would leave like zero or retarded at idle. Kind of like a pipe for low end or top end, and you can't get both from the same pipe.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I suppose you could compensate for a unit with 55 deg. advance up top, but that would leave like zero or retarded at idle. Kind of like a pipe for low end or top end, and you can't get both from the same pipe.

Too much is too much and will cause premature ignition, unless you are racing full time I would start @ 35 and work up in 2 degree increments until you feel right, you will know by how the bike starts and a couple of hard runs @ WOT in 3rd or 4th gear

 

[Breeze3at]

My Clymer Shovelhead manual has these numbers.
'66-'69 point gap .020", dwell 90° @ 2,000, Retarded 5° BTDC, Automatic (not advance), 35° BTDC.
'70-'78 point gap .020", Retarded 5° BTDC, Advanced 34°-36° BTDC.
Late '78-'79 ignition timer air gap .004"-.006".
1980 on, Electronic, no adjustment.

 

[dynarider]

My Clymer Shovelhead manual has these numbers.
'66-'69 point gap .020", dwell 90° @ 2,000, Retarded 5° BTDC, Automatic (not advance), 35° BTDC.
'70-'78 point gap .020", Retarded 5° BTDC, Advanced 34°-36° BTDC.
Late '78-'79 ignition timer air gap .004"-.006".
1980 on, Electronic, no adjustment.

NICE! Thanks for the numbers. A good source on the XLForum says to try a
1980-1982 ignition because it's a bolt in for electric start '71 +up. No VOES, no rev limit, and low speed retard for the starter.

I wonder what Screamin' Eagle ignition modules would retrofit to a '72 Sporty, anyone know?

 

[dynarider]

Would a module p/n 32436-91A work if used with a VOES?