How to set the timing on a Harley Davidson shovelhead?
Set your gap at about .018″. Bring the front cylinder up on compression (you can watch for the intake tappet to close) and after you see the advance mark, rotate very slowly untill the TDC mark is just fully visable on the back lower edge of the timing hole. Now rotate the backing plate until the points just begin to open.
When did the Harley Shovelhead engine come out?
A shovelhead engine is a V-Twin Harley-Davidson engine that was produced from 1966 to 1985. The name shovel comes from the coal shovel-like shape of the engine covers. When the timing is not correct, the engine can fail.
Can a 78 Shovelhead turn over but not start?
Discussion in ‘ Classic Models ‘ started by winkles117, Oct 15, 2008 . have a 78 shovel that turns over but will not start, thinking the timing is off. have power to the coil and to the pulgs. how do you set it to were it will start or am i looking in the wrong direction.
What’s the best way to time a Shovelhead?
Aim the timing light at the inspection hole. Rotate the sensor assembly with the screwdriver so that you can see the front cylinder advance timing mark. Center the mark in the timing inspection hole. Tighten the timer plate studs. Reinstall the gasket, inner cover, inner cover screws and timer cover. Install the new outer cover rivets.
Set your gap at about .018″. Bring the front cylinder up on compression (you can watch for the intake tappet to close) and after you see the advance mark, rotate very slowly untill the TDC mark is just fully visable on the back lower edge of the timing hole. Now rotate the backing plate until the points just begin to open.
When did the first Shovelhead engine come out?
The first generation Shovelhead from 1966 through 1969 was actually the same engine as the Panhead engine that it replaced, except for the updated cylinder heads. All Shovelheads came from the factory with a standard breaker points ignition until the 1978 model year.
Discussion in ‘ Classic Models ‘ started by winkles117, Oct 15, 2008 . have a 78 shovel that turns over but will not start, thinking the timing is off. have power to the coil and to the pulgs. how do you set it to were it will start or am i looking in the wrong direction.
How do you change the timing on a Harley Davidson?
Turn the points plate slowly clockwise while holding the points cam counterclockwise. Stop as soon as the test lamp goes out. Tighten the timing plate screws to lock the adjustment. 8. Turn off the ignition switch. Replace the timing cover, timing port plug and spark plugs.
Where are the timing plugs on a Shovelhead?
Remove the spark plugs, the timing port plug (on the left side of the engine case between the cylinders) and the timing cover (on the right side of the engine case). Place your thumb over the front-cylinder spark plug hole and kick the engine over slowly with the kick starter. Stop when you feel pressure on your thumb.
How do you time a Harley Shovelhead engine?
Loosen the timer plate stud bolts a few turns until the sensor assembly can be rotated when you insert a screwdriver into the notch in the plate. Aim the timing light at the inspection hole. Rotate the sensor assembly with the screwdriver so that you can see the front cylinder advance timing mark. Center the mark in the timing inspection hole.
How did the Shovelhead engine get its name?
The name shovel comes from the coal shovel-like shape of the engine covers. When the timing is not correct, the engine can fail. Timing refers to the amount of time that occurs between the spark plug sparking and the fuel in the engine igniting. A timing mark view plug tests engine timing.
How do you set Shovelhead points on a Harley Davidson?
Place your thumb over the front-cylinder spark plug hole and kick the engine over slowly with the kick starter. Stop when you feel pressure on your thumb. This indicates that the front piston is approaching TDC (top dead center) of the compression stroke. 3.
How to check ignition timing on a Harley Davidson?
At every 5000 mile (8000 km) service interval. Check for proper RPM and ignition timing as follows: 1. See Figure 0. Thread TIMING MARK VIEW PLUG (Part No. HD 96295-65D) into timing inspection hole. Be sure view plug does not touch flywheel. 1a. See Figure 1. Locate the proper timing marks for your engine.
When to turn on ignition switch on Shovelhead?
Turn on your ignition switch. When the points are OPEN, the meter will register 12 volts or the test lamp will light. When the points are closed, your meter will zero out or the lamp will go off. You want to set the points plate so the points are JUST BARELY beginning to open at the leading edge of the narrow lobe on your points cam.
Where is the thread timing mark on a Harley Davidson?
Thread TIMING MARK VIEW PLUG (Part No. HD 96295-65D) into timing inspection hole. Be sure view plug does not touch flywheel. 1a. See Figure 1. Locate the proper timing marks for your engine.
At every 5000 mile (8000 km) service interval. Check for proper RPM and ignition timing as follows: 1. See Figure 0. Thread TIMING MARK VIEW PLUG (Part No. HD 96295-65D) into timing inspection hole. Be sure view plug does not touch flywheel. 1a. See Figure 1. Locate the proper timing marks for your engine.
When did Harley Davidson start using points ignition?
All Harley Davidson motorcycles prior to 1978 came with points ignition. The term “Shovelhead” refers to a Harley-Davidson Big-Twin engine that was produced from circa 1966 to 1984. The first generation Shovelhead from 1966 through 1969 was actually the same engine as the Panhead engine that it replaced, except for the updated cylinder heads.