[bain]

i just bought a 42 flathead fully rebuilt. the timing is hard to adjust. my manual dont give timing degrees, just play with. my question is .is there a proper way to set timing.i still have the manual advance hooked up.

[chucktx]

there is a groove on the flywheel that you can see through the inspection plug.....use it to static time the points. should get ya up and running.........have fun and lets see some pics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! oh, and welcome to the forum!!!!!!!!

[whacker]

I sure would like to see pics of that bike.....

[bain]

i static timed my engine and could only get 30 mph, then guesed at it and got 50 mph. i am wondering if there is method to use a timing light?

[chucktx]

yes, but it is messy if ya dont have the clear plug for the inspection hole, even then it is hard to see the line unless you can get it scratched silver. are you sure the dist. is timed to the gear train?.....you can pull the cam cover and check the marks. or just pull the dist. and move the gear one tooth. remember which way you moved it as you may go in the wrong direction......then you will have to move it the opposite way 2 teeth......