timing tool

Status
Not open for further replies.
ILLF8ED

ILLF8ED

Joined
Dec 30, 2003
Messages
3,658
Country flag
I'm looking for a timing tool that screws into a spark plug hole with a rod in the middle that measures piston height. Anyone know where to get one? My '64 BSA has no timing marks or pin to determine timing position on the crankshaft. Set the timing with a degree wheel then sealed the primary. I don't want to have to go back in there to set up the degree wheel again and so far can't get the engine to start...getting lots of spark and timing is close.

Thanks,

David
 
Couple ways to do this on the cheap.

Some people recommend taking an old sparkplug and "coring" it. Then sticking a rod of some sort that can reach the piston top. Make sure whatever it is, it's too long to fall in the chamber...

Im trying to remember the other way I did it. I think it involved a socket and a rod.

Or you can buy a tool...
 
I know British cycle and supply has the tool you speak of in your area I would try Rabers they should have the same tool... Doxford
 
David,

norbsa has some old posts you can search for where he describes in detail how to make one from an old sparkplug and a small machine screw. As I recall the clearance with the valve is fairly tight so you need a small screw like a 10-32. You should be able to find all the details in his posts.

Oops - that was for making a piston stop that will work on a Commando for calibrating a degree wheel. I see that wasn't quite what you were asking. Never mind... :oops:

I need to make one for use on my Nortons though...

Debby
 
I used to make them the old way by breaking the core out of a plug. Man that stuff is hard. Then a bolt long enough to drop down the to the piston with marks scribed on it. I just used 1 2 3 4 and like that so I knew where I was. The bolt head should be big enough to keep it from dropping in, oh the horror...
Some folks did used to use a socket that just fits the plug base and a Philips screwdriver but that does not seem very accurate.
 
If the spark plug is not vertical to the piston, the distance measured will not be accurate to the drop of the piston in the bore. I'd bite the bullet and pull the primary back off and set up the degree wheel.
 
Ron,

The method I mentioned just finds TDC. After that one has to follow the book if it does not time there. When I set intial timing on a Norton Years ago I had to put a degree wheel on the alternator rotor. This was when I found out that Atlas cranks did not have the slot for the alternator at the same point as a Commando.
There were some bikes you locked at TDC and set the timing there. No idea what his has to do.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top