ignition timing

seattle##gs · Aug 9, 2025

1967 TR6C
points ignition
It's probably been 30 years since I had to deal with points. I am rewiring the entire bike and had to review the ignition wiring to make sure I got it right. When the time came to time it I found the old Webco tool and degree wheel, blew the dust off it and oiled the old threads. If I remember right, when degreeing off the cam I turn the motor back half the amount as the crank.....20 degrees instead of 40...sound right? Using a phillips screwdriver to find piston location and double check I believe I'm right. Another problem is my eyes could not clearly focus anymore on the tiny gaps and movements. It was very difficult but I got it.
I did not want to remove the primary cover because there was no replacement gasket.

marshg246 · Aug 9, 2025

seattle##gs said:
1967 TR6C
points ignition
It's probably been 30 years since I had to deal with points. I am rewiring the entire bike and had to review the ignition wiring to make sure I got it right. When the time came to time it I found the old Webco tool and degree wheel, blew the dust off it and oiled the old threads. If I remember right, when degreeing off the cam I turn the motor back half the amount as the crank.....20 degrees instead of 40...sound right? Using a phillips screwdriver to find piston location and double check I believe I'm right. Another problem is my eyes could not clearly focus anymore on the tiny gaps and movements. It was very difficult but I got it.
I did not want to remove the primary cover because there was no replacement gasket.

With degree wheel on the cam and the auto advance locked fully advanced, set points to open at 19 degrees BTDC.

acotrel · Aug 12, 2025

I usually have the degree disc tightened under the nut which holds the engine sprocket onto the crank, and I am very careful about finding TDC. A change in ignition timing has a similar effect to changing the jetting or the compression ratio. The setup is a balance between the three things. Ignition timing is something which I prefer to keep fixed, along with fuel type, comp. ratio and exhaust system - then jet to suit it.

Matt Spencer · Aug 27, 2025

" To set the ignition timing on a 1967 Triumph 650, locate the crankshaft hole in the crankcase, then rotate the rear wheel in gear until the hole in the crankshaft flywheel lines up with the crankcase hole. "

" TRIUMPH 650 750 TIMING TOOL 1965-79 CRANK LOCKING TOOL "

Triton Thrasher · Aug 27, 2025

Matt Spencer said:
" To set the ignition timing on a 1967 Triumph 650, locate the crankshaft hole in the crankcase, then rotate the rear wheel in gear until the hole in the crankshaft flywheel lines up with the crankcase hole. "

" TRIUMPH 650 750 TIMING TOOL 1965-79 CRANK LOCKING TOOL "

A 1967 model may only have one slot in the flywheel, indicating top dead centre.

acotrel · Sep 15, 2025

I use the soap-bubble method of finding TDC then with the degree disc on the end of the crank, turn the engine backwards to the prescribed ignition advance. And even then, I always check my jetting. Advancing the ignition timing, or increasing the compression ratio have the same effect as leaning-off the jetting. And for performance the jetting is usually already lean.
If the degree disc is on the cam, it turns at half speed. You cannot afford errors in ignition timing.

ignition timing

seattle##gs

marshg246

acotrel

Matt Spencer

Triton Thrasher

acotrel

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