ignition timing question, help needed

[tonyairconchap]

Hi All,  i have today received my reconditioned mag.  Been all night trying to set up the timing.
got a few questions to ask if anyone could give me answers i will be very greatful.
I am ok with single cylinder engines as its impossible to get it wrong but this is the first twin i have attempted.

1)  which spark plug lead goes to the rear pickup (  gearbox side ),  left or right cylinder? Cant remember how i took then off.
2) which cylinder fires first, looks like its the right hand side  as thats the one that comes to tdc first. So which pick up point would go to that one?
3)  do i set the timing with the lead cylinder only?
4) do i set the auto advance unit in the fully relaxed state when setting the timing? 
5) do the points open and close twice in a 360 degree cycle? If so how do i know which opening point is the one for the lead cylinder as i assume this is the one i set the timing up on.

If i have things wrong, let me know,  put me right please.

Cheers for now, tony

[tonyairconchap]

I just found an answer to my question 4, the auto advance unit is normally in a retard position at rest, so i need to wedge it fully open to fully advanced state  to set the timing.  So thats one of my questions answered.  ( found this deep in the forum,  know doubt all the other answers are there also , so will keep looking )
Tony

[Greybeard]

Set the points gap first, checking both firing positions.

1) Doesn't matter because you can swap leads if it's wrong.
2) Doesn't matter
3) No lead cylinder
4)
5) Yes. See 3.

I believe that the fibre gizmo on the points that runs on the cam ring roughly aligns to the mag connector that will fire.

[duTch]

 **GB got in first...

 Hiya Tony-

 I'm probably not the best for the right answers, as I usually break all the rules...

 1> actually doesn't matter, but I think usually rear to left...
 2> neither fires 'first', as they are at 180˚ to each other, so doesn't matter if you do left or right (I think I usually do the left because it's in my face)
 3>  As above- only need to do one side (one set of points)
 4> done.   
 5> the points open once in a magneto rev, and twice in..??... Magneto runs same speed as Cam which is half engine speed...
 6>  .......

     Nb;  I usually do it with the points at ~ 5 o'clock....

 It's really not hard, but you need to determine which side is coming up to compression (probably obvious)
 See how you go with that...

[BSA_54A10]

I use a long piston stop, then bring the piston up to the firing position by backing it off while measuring the drop on the other side ( advantage of 360 deg twins ).
This way the engine can not slip while you are tightening up the maggy drive pinion

[beezermacc]

There's a step-by-step guide if you use this link...
https://sites.google.com/site/cheshirebsa/tech-tips

[Rex]

Put her on TDC and unclip the rear mag pickup, look for the brass strip, and if it's there that pickup is for the plug that's sparking. If you follow the workshop manual and have set the timing on the RH pot with points opening at the bottom position, then the rear pickup is for the RH pot.

[tonyairconchap]

Hello All,  many thanks for all the advice.

In the garage first thing this morning,  all done,  1 1/2 hours.   First kick, nothing except for a pop from the exhaust. Swopped over the plug leads, kick and away , tick over good so hopefully road test will prove good.

Thats all three of my BSA back on the road..... wonderful this Tax exempt and no MOT

Will try and load a picture

Thanks again all for your excellent advice and so quickly!

Thanks to TJ Magnetos for the excellent rebuild of the magneto. Highly recommended by me.

Tony

[tonyairconchap]

Couple of pictures of my BSA , i always find it nice to see other peoples bikes
1958 flash
1942 m20
1934 m34/12 sloper

[Greybeard]

Tony,
It's very nice to see your bikes, (you lucky so-and-so!) but it would better to put that picture in the 'Just A Picture' thread of the forum.
https://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=7964.0