Ignition timing HELP!

FrilandXS · Jan 21, 2014

I have problems with ignition timing, the cam timing and cam chain tensioner are adjusted correctly but my ignition timing start fire to early. The distance from where it starts to the point where it end is to far to be adjustable. I upload some pic to see whats going on. Hope someone can help me. Thnx

retiredgentleman · Jan 21, 2014

The flyweights on your ATU are badly worn. Normally, the 2 small ears that fit into the slotted disc are a tight fit. The flyweights/ATU must be replaced, before you can properly adjust the ignition timing. You could damage the engine if it is run as it looks now.

A better choice would be to up grade to a Pamco ignition with the E-advancer.

alfredo · Jan 21, 2014

retiredgentleman said:
The flyweights on your ATU are badly worn. Normally, the 2 small ears that fit into the slotted disc are a tight fit. The flyweights/ATU must be replaced, before you can properly adjust the ignition timing. You could damage the engine if it is run as it looks now.

A better choice would be to up grade to a Pamco ignition with the E-advancer.

+1 what he just said. I wouldn't run this motor without fixing the ATU or replacing the whole shebang with a pamco.

FrilandXS · Jan 21, 2014

retiredgentleman said:
The flyweights on your ATU are badly worn. Normally, the 2 small ears that fit into the slotted disc are a tight fit. The flyweights/ATU must be replaced, before you can properly adjust the ignition timing. You could damage the engine if it is run as it looks now.

A better choice would be to up grade to a Pamco ignition with the E-advancer.

I didn't even try to start the engine before I get it adjusted correctly.
Maybe the ATU needs to be replaced but I don`t think that`s the ATU's fault about that way to early ignition I`m getting.

I have read bout that pamco system by mikexs and seen many kits and don`t know witch one would I need.

TwoManyXS1Bs · Jan 21, 2014

Spark occurs when the points *break* their connection, your timing is in the ballpark. The early contact is required to energize the coils, and your's looks about right.

Yes, the ATU is severely worn, replace it.

The felt oiling pads are missing from the points plate, not a serious thing, just need to ensure the points cam is lubricated.

5twins · Jan 21, 2014

That's way, way off. I'd have to say that if you had the top end apart, you timed the cam wrong upon re-assembly or the locating pin for the advance unit in the cam has fallen out or sheared off. That could allow the advance unit to turn on the cam and become out of time with it. I would pull the advance unit off and make sure it's locating pin is there and not damaged. The unit has a little slot on the back that is supposed to fit onto the pin and lock it into position, in proper time with the cam .....

There should also be a little pin embedded in the unit above the slot to keep the pin in the cam from coming out .....

FrilandXS · Jan 21, 2014

TwoManyXS1Bs said:
Spark occurs when the points *break* their connection, your timing is in the ballpark. The early contact is required to energize the coils, and your's looks about right.

Yes, the ATU is severely worn, replace it.

The felt oiling pads are missing from the points plate, not a serious thing, just need to ensure the points cam is lubricated.

So if the ending of the contact is more important than the start I think that I can adjust it to end in the correct point.If I cant find an cheap ATU unit I think I to upgrade to pamco with E-advancer,makes more sence.And what do you mean with ballpark (english isn't my first language)

FrilandXS · Jan 21, 2014

5twins said:
That's way, way off. I'd have to say that if you had the top end apart, you timed the cam wrong upon re-assembly or the locating pin for the advance unit in the cam has fallen out or sheared off. That could allow the advance unit to turn on the cam and become out of time with it. I would pull the advance unit off and make sure it's locating pin is there and not damaged. The unit has a little slot on the back that is supposed to fit onto the pin and lock it into position, in proper time with the cam .....

There should also be a little pin embedded in the unit above the slot to keep the pin in the cam from coming out .....

I'm sure that the pin is in place and the cam timing is done correctly. :thumbsup:

TwoManyXS1Bs · Jan 21, 2014

FrilandXS said:
And what do you mean with ballpark (english isn't my first language)

Hahaha, sorry, sorry! That means that you're very close. Old slang from the `30-`40's baseball games...

FrilandXS · Jan 23, 2014

Since I have to replace my ATU,I'm just going to upgrade to a Pamco E-Ignition with the E-advancer.I will install an 81 XJ 650 regulator with the stock alternator,haven't tried it yet but I think it will work.Right?

THANKS Guys you were very helpful. :thumbsup:

retiredgentleman · Jan 23, 2014

FrilandXS said:
Since I have to replace my ATU,I'm just going to upgrade to a Pamco E-Ignition with the E-advancer.I will install an 81 XJ 650 regulator with the stock alternator,haven't tried it yet but I think it will work.Right?

THANKS Guys you were very helpful.

Your engine appears to be of the 1970 to 1979 versions, so the right (inner) brush on the alternator is likely grounded. I'm not 100% sure, but I highly suspect that the 81 XJ regulator can only work with ungrounded brushes. In 1980, Yamaha changed the XS650 from a one grounded brush design to both brushes ungrounded.

There is a work around, which uses nylon screws to unground the normally grounded brush. Take a read of this thread:
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6477

Ignition timing HELP!

FrilandXS

XS650 Enthusiast

retiredgentleman

XS650 Guru

alfredo

1978 xs650 Special

FrilandXS

XS650 Enthusiast

TwoManyXS1Bs

BBQ Hunter

5twins

XS650 Guru

FrilandXS

XS650 Enthusiast

FrilandXS

XS650 Enthusiast

TwoManyXS1Bs

BBQ Hunter

FrilandXS

XS650 Enthusiast

retiredgentleman

XS650 Guru

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