Timing advance kit with a RAD flywheel

[sxi steve]

Kawi 750 sxi/pro- Seeking more low end punch.

Just picked up a lightweight RAD charging flywheel and since I am doing that job I figured I'd add a Timing advance plate kit. Will this help me, is it okay to add the timing advance plate with the RAD? I heard that some new lightweight flywheels do something to the timing (potencially advances it)? I don't know much about it maybe someone can enlighten/educate/direct me on how it all works. Has Timing advancing helped your low end?

Thx.

 

[Waternut]

I doubt any flywheel will advance the timing enough to hurt you with an advance plate.

 

[vomitspot]

when i bought my sxr ,the former oner added advance plate i didnt know
well i added a advent cdi ,that advances the timing as well
she seized
since i removed the advance plate no problems
j

 

[SUPERTUNE]

Always use a timing light to check timing changes after installing any aftermarket flywheel (Don't assume/this is how to get in trouble) Once you know what the timing is and know that it's not too advanced, then you know that the plate will give you 7* more if your not exceeding somewhere around 25 degrees depending on the engine setup.

 

[sxi steve]

Would you say by just adding the new flywheel only, my timing would be okay? I know checking the timing would be best confirmation although I have no clue how to do that.

 

[Waternut]

How to check your timing with a light... BTW it can be really easy or really hard on a 750.

A timing light is basically a strobe light that flashes every time the spark plug is supposed to fire. This means that a semi-dark fly wheel will only be visible at a single time (spark plug fire) and therefore only visible at a certain degree. This is your static timing when the engine is at idle. Unless the flywheel has it already, you'll have to make marks on the flywheel for TDC and every 5° after that. You also need to mark on the case where TDC is. Do a search for a degree wheel on google to help with the degree marks or use a protractor.

Now that you have marks on the flywheel and a timing light, you can begin the procedure. You can't take the flywheel cover off because the bendix will fall out and destroy your flywheel and bendix ($$$). So you either need to cut a spare flywheel cover to hold the bendix on a SJ or (if you have a 750) you can remove the plug at the top of the flywheel cover. With a bit of head twisting and mirror work, you can see through that plug on the 750. Fire the engine up and start the light. It'll make perfect sense once you see it.

 

[sxi steve]

Ahhh, or would you say just slap the flywheel on and enjoy? If I didn't want to deal with all that, I'm not risking anything am I?

Do most guys just add the new flywheel and ride?

---

 

[SUPERTUNE]

You Have 2 choices...Pay someone that KNOWS how to check timing OR
LEARN to do it yourself.
I have a degree chart if you would like to learn and do it. Not very hard.
Tools needed:
timing light
dial indicator in a sparkplug holder
a piece of welding rod (or a metal coat hanger wire)
Timing chart
tach (nice to have, but not really needed)
black fine point marker

Take off coupler cover,
make up and mount a wire pointer with some spacers off the coupler cover studs
sharpen wire to a point and position over engine drive coupler
install dial indicator and zero to TDC
turn crankshaft to degrees wanted on the upstroke-BTDC (for a fixed std. timing light) using degree chart use fine marker and draw a line @ pointer
OR
make mark for tdc and use an adjustable timing light (deluxe model)
Cover ski or stick a-s-s end of ski out the garage door, turn out lights
fire up ski, pointing timing light at coupler and pointer, bring up rpm's until you get max timing then read timing markings, shut off right away unless your going to hook up a hose for cooling engine.
If you use a adjustable timing light, turn dial up until TDC timing mark lines up at maximum timing. Then read the timing @ the dial.
Not to hard, but a bit nervy at first until you get the hang of it...
C

 

[SUPERTUNE]

Yes, most just slap them on...
This is why my nickname is SUPERTUNE.

 

[Shonuff]

If you're not going to check your timing, remove the advance plate with the AM flywheel.

 

[sxi steve]

I don't quite understand ^^..., I hadn't put an advanced timing plate on, most likely won't.

 

[Shonuff]

Good call. Safe.

 

[sxi steve]

Gotha! I'll still have the obvious advantages of the lightweight flywheel.