Replacement Advance Arms?

[DogBunny]

I've never used heat, and I think it is a bad idea for the reason you asked about.
I use two pairs of needle-nose pliers, and a lot of fumbling around is involved. Try bending a new hook first, as close as possible to the original hook, then cut off the original hook. The new hook does not need to be well-shaped -- just anything that will fit in the hole in the advance weight. And it doesn't have to be oriented like the original hook was.

 

[5twins]

I've never applied any grease to those slots in the little disc, but I have considered it. But, centrifugal force may just fling it out. After I initially clean and lube an advance unit (take it all apart), future lubing is done using a few drops of foaming chain lube on an assembled unit. I lube the pivot posts and the springs, and I do it after a ride while the unit is still hot. I figure the lube will penetrate better on a warm unit, and once it cools down and the chain lube sets up, it turns into a grease of sorts and won't easily fling off. To keep the backing plate from rusting, I give it a light coating of motor oil, just enough to make it shine really. Put too much on and it just flings off and makes a mess inside the housing.

 

[5twins]

For new springs, your best bet is to watch eBay. N.O.S. originals come up from time to time and they're the best.

 

[mrtwowheel]

DB, does heat help forming the loop or does the metal lose temper?

Watch some guys on YouTube making springs using a mandrel. Then go to most hardware stores and see the big assortment of different springs they have. You can make just about any small spring you need from that assortment. I've made complex Honda choke springs that way and others. All done with no heat or tempering.

 

[Jan_P]

I have made springs now and then
As DB says it is not strict with the loop
Modifying the old one
With a vice -- pliers and wrap it around a drill bit shaft cold makes it happen

One can make a spring but to get the spring force right can be difficult

 

[dave_a]

"Fumbling around" is actually my specialty.

 

[Jim]

"Fumbling around" is actually my specialty.

Then you'll fit right in 'round these parts...

 

[5twins]

There's no need to form a new loop. When you bend the last coil on the spring out, that automatically makes a new "loop". I'll admit, I've not needed to do this. Even though my original springs do appear to be sagged out some, the advance still seems to work correctly. But as I mentioned, I do keep it well lubed.