Pma no marks, runs, curious about timing

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apox

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so I just picked up a bike to refresh and it's got the pma not hughs but your standard one from one of the other suppliers, it had no markings and I took the points apart to fix a leaky cam seal. It runs, first kick even. I managed to get the plate set well enough that it doesn't break my ankle, or make any odd noises at idle, but I'm sure the timing isn't right as I can't be that lucky. The clymer referes to the stock stator markings of course. What's my best plan of action?
 
Your best course? Buy a piston stop and a dial test indicator or a dial indicator with a long stem, and a degree wheel and run some searches on how to use them. There's been plenty written on the subject, no point reinventing that wheel; seek and you will find.
 
You need timing marks, especially with a points machine. I don't understand why people install these PMAs and don't make the marks, but you see it all the time around here. Even if you marked the plate position, eventually you will need to install new points and check or adjust the timing. You are also going to need to adjust the valves, which is done at TDC. Granted, you can get by with just being close to TDC for that, but there's no excuse for not making marks when a PMA is installed.

Your easiest solution may be to contact Hugh and see if he'll sell you one of the timing mark stickers he includes with his PMA kits. Then you would only need to accurately locate and mark TDC.
 
so, I found a photo of that sticker, resized it several times and printed it out, cut out the one that fit the best in that space lol. Made a degree wheel and piston stop. I think I've got the marks now, and with the sticker taped in place, I've got the fire and advance marks as well. Woo!

Thanks guys.
 
Being that it is of intellectual property, I'd rather not be passing it around, I did simply though just google pictures of the sticker, then resize it a whole bunch of times in paint and printed it. I dont remember which % rescale was the right size though. Trial and error.
 
There ya go! I live in Canada, and well, ended up fixing my issue last night haha. Waiting for a sticker in the mail would've been hell. So today I adjusted cam, checked valves, set right points, gapped left points, hooked up an old tach and set idle screw. She kicks first time and idles like a boss now. Video below for your listening pleasure.

https://vid.me/eF8D
 

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