Setting the timing using a light

[wiayeman]

Gents,

Can someone point me in the right direction on how to do this properly?

Never done it before, searched for a bit, but couldn't find a "how to" on it.

Cheers

 

[xjwmx]

It depends on what kind of ignition you have.

 

[wiayeman]

Just put a PAMCO in. Trying to get it spot on.

 

[xjwmx]

This should take care of ya, toward the bottom. Some years, the timing marks look different. If you have a light with degree controls on it make sure it's set to zero so you get a true reading of what's happening. Note this is to be done with the engine idling, not revved.

http://www.yamahaxs650.com/installation.htm

 

[wiayeman]

Thanks for the response. I did read that. What do I actually need to get lined up? In other words, what should I be looking at once it set properly as far as the marks are concerned?

 

[xjwmx]

The timing marks are on the stator, under the big round cover on the left case cover. If your marks don't look like what he describes, post a picture of what you have. The rotor has another mark on it which is fairly faint. Some people put chalk or something on it to make it more visible.

 

[5twins]

According to your profile, you have a '79 model? You need to mention that in your posts as some things differ over the years and the style of the timing marks is one of those things. If you are indeed working on a '79 then for idle timing, you will want the rotor mark to fall somewhere in the "F" range .....

Full advance should be at (but not past) or a little before (as pictured) the unmarked slash to the left of the "F" range .....

You must check the timing when it's advanced too, not only at idle. Running too far advanced is one of the major causes of holed pistons.

 

[wiayeman]

Perfect. Thanks lads. I will let you know how I get on.

 

[Paulrxs650]

Out of curiosity, are you a Geordie?

 

[wiayeman]

Wi aye.

Born in the general. Moved to Blyth as a bairn. Exiled to the states....

 

[Paulrxs650]

Thought so. A couple of mates live in Blyth. I lived in Dallas a while then came back to live on the Wall even came across bottles of dog in Dallas!

 

[rosstermyer]

Bumping this up -

I have a 81 xs650 that i just set the valves on last night and i have a timing light to check/set the timing on that as well.

does the timing self adjust or set with the TCI or is this something that can still drift out of spec?

Thanks in advance, this is my first XS650 and old bike for that matter.

 

[5twins]

Your timing is set from the factory, there is no adjustment, and it should never change. You can hook a timing light up if you like and check it, but there's no provision for making adjustments.

 

[hard_y_rd]

So when yo check your timing at full advance, the engine has to be at a certain RPM? Correct?

 

[hard_y_rd]

Also when you hook up the positive and negative leads, when you have a capacitor instead of a battery, do you hook the leads to the positive and negative on the cap?

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Also when you hook up the positive and negative leads, when you have a capacitor instead of a battery, do you hook the leads to the positive and negative on the cap?

That should work. If not, use a separate battery, or use jumpers from your car.

Should get full spark advance at 3000 rpm...

 

[hard_y_rd]

Thanks TooMany. Having a blast on this thing. The hard work is paying off.

 

[TwoManyXS1Bs]

Love it, hard work blasting...

 

[hard_y_rd]

Where do you think 3000 rpm would be in relation to throttle being open? Not running a tach so it will have to be a guesstimate.

 

[5twins]

By throttle opening, it's hard to say. Just sitting there with no load on the engine, it will rev way up with the throttle just opened a little. As mentioned, full advance happens by about 3K. However, it never goes any higher no matter what RPM you're turning. So, just rev the bike high enough and until it stops advancing. You'll see where that is and get a feel for it.