How do I set the timing on my Shovelhead?

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 you use the timing light on a Harley Davidson?

Connect the positive terminal of an inductive timing light to the positive battery terminal of the motorcycle. Connect the negative terminal of the timing light to the negative terminal of the battery. Connect the inductive pickup probe of the timing light to the front cylinder spark plug wire.

How do you static time a Harley Davidson?

Jack up the rear of the bike so you can rotate the rear wheel. Put the tranny in 4th or 5th gear and take out the timing mark plug. Rotate the rear wheel while watching the pushrods. You should see the exhaust rod rise and then come back down and then immediately the intake will rise and start to come down.

Is a Shovelhead a good motor?

After owning two shovelheads, i will not own another one. Don’t get me wrong, they are great bikes and can be very reliable if you stay on top of the maintenance. Also, IMO the shovel is by far the best sounding engine of all.

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 do you use the timing light on a motorcycle?

To dynamically time a motorcycle ignition:

1. Hook up your timing light as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Remove the points cover.
3. Start the engine.
4. Aim the timing light through the points plate view hole.
5. Confirm that the “F” mark aligns with the engine case’s timing mark at idle.

How do I set the static timing on my electronic ignition?

Turn the ignition key to the RUN position and return to the distributor. Turn the distributor body COUNTERCLOCKWISE until the test lamp turns OFF. Turn the distributor another 10 to 20 degrees COUNTERCLOCKWISE. Now SLOWLY turn the distributor body CLOCKWISE… SLOWLY.

How do you use a static timing light?

Clip it to the distributor wire, make sure it has a good ground, and touch the positive terminal to the ignition point. If the light illuminates, you’ve done it right. Now, gently turn the distributor back (clockwise) until the light goes out. Then turn it forward (counterclockwise) until the light comes on.

Which is better Panhead or Shovelhead?

The Shovelhead essentially was an improved version of the Panhead. It featured 10 percent more power than the Panhead. Early Shovelheads kept the lower style of the Panhead engine but bolted on a new top end.

How reliable is a Shovelhead?

If you follow the specs in the book and use good quality parts and have your machine work done properly, the Shovelhead is as reliable as any other motorcycle, Otherwise, it will leave you by the side of the road every time.

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 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 timing mark on a Shovelhead?

With that timing mark centered in the hole…the small lobe of the points cam should be coming around towards the point rubbing block. The idea is you can now put a small screwdriver or scribe or awl through that 3/8″ hole you drilled in the plate, using that tool to move the advance weights outward to the full advance position.

What to do when your Shovelhead goes off?

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. Turning the plate counterclockwise retards the timing, turning it clockwise advances it.