can't retard timing

[JJH]

1979 R65.  I am trying to set my timing, but at full advance 3000+ RPM the timing is still too advanced.  I can't move the bean can anymore.  It is not too far off, I can still see the advance mark, but it is at the very top of the window.  What is my next approach to this issue?  Thanks

[Ed Miller]

If your point gap/dwell is wrong it will mess up your timing.  You have to do that before you set the timing.


<sniff>  Not a problem with my pointless R65, but those cheap aftermarket points I would buy for my Triumph wore the sliders really fast so my points were always closing up.  

[Barry]

You may need to open up the points gap a little. Spec is 0.4mm or 0.016"

It's ok to go a little wider to 0.018" if needed.  If you remove the plate with the outrigger bearing to make the adjustment be sure to check the points gap again after the plate is replaced because the gap will change.

If after points adjustment you are still unable to time it correctly then the points are suspect with the dimensions of the heel being too big.

[JJH]

Thanks, I will check the points, and give an update.

[Tony Smith]

Barry


Your reply made me stop and think.

It is now more that 20 years since I owned anything with points (the last was a VW and the points were replaced with a "perlux igniter" and absolutely brilliant device BTW).

If I had to set gap/dwell /timing today there would be much head scratching and reading of manuals.

[Barry]

Tony,

Now you've got me thinking and I had it the wrong way around.  A wide points gap means the points open sooner so a wide gap advances timing.

JJH,  you need to check for a wider than spec points gap and reduce it to retard the ignition. If the gap isn't wider than spec then it's the points heel that's too big.

[JJH]

I'll check the points for any variation wide or closed!  Thanks!!!

[Justin B.]

Check your advance weights and make sure they aren't stuck.  But, if only a little advanced, and you don't get any pinging, you are good.