How do you set the timing on a Shovelhead motor?

How do you set the timing on a Shovelhead motor?

How to Set the Timing on Shovelhead Points

1. 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).
2. Place your thumb over the front-cylinder spark plug hole and kick the engine over slowly with the kick starter.

How do I know if my Harley timing is off?

Raise RPM’s to at 2k., this advances your timing. You should see a Dot in the hole, pretty much centered. If it’s not then loosen the 2 stand offs for the timing plate so you can rotate it to center, or within the opening.

How to check the timing on a 1978 Shovelhead?

I want to check the timing on my 1978 shovel (FXE)… without using a timing light. Can anyone point me in the direction of the best directions to do this? The front cylinder advance mark is a vertical line and the front TDC mark is a shallow drilled hole just less than 1/8″ diameter.

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.

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 rotate a Harley Davidson shovelhead?

You can use the kick starter to rotate the engine or you can use the rear wheel. It helps to remove the spark plugs. Remember that though the crankshaft rotates in the same direction as the wheels, the point cam rotates counter clockwise. Did you find the recommended reading relevant to this discussion?

I want to check the timing on my 1978 shovel (FXE)… without using a timing light. Can anyone point me in the direction of the best directions to do this? The front cylinder advance mark is a vertical line and the front TDC mark is a shallow drilled hole just less than 1/8″ diameter.

Why do I need to adjust the valve on my Shovelhead motorcycle?

Valves require adjustment over time due to wear. You may notice a ticking noise in the top of your Shovelhead engine. If so, it’s likely your motorcycle requires a valve adjustment. To make such adjustments, you must fine-tune the pushrods by increasing and decreasing their length.

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.

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.