Scout timing tool

[exeric]

I've been wondering how I could easily find the timing mark on the Sport Scout flywheel when the need arises. Without going into a long winded description, there is no easy way to bump the motor while trying to see a tiny hashmark through a tiny hole, under the primary cover, in the dark, and holding a flashlight. I made this tool today that fits into the front generator sprocket (I drilled) and can turn the motor over without disturbing the primary cover (heaven forbid), or screwing around with the kick starter, or bumping the rear wheel with the bike in gear. . . I have to say that this '41 Sport Scout never stops trying to NOT be my friend.

scto1.jpg scto.jpg scto2.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Eric;

Here is a tip from TomFi that I found in the archives.
Now this was discussion of CHIEF timing so maybe does not apply to Scout?
Without further delay here it is:

"When the exhaust valve on the rear cylinder just closes....the front cylinder fires.
Slowly turn your engine over, the moment you can spin the rear exhaust lifter as it's closing ...
set your distributor to fire on the front cyl.....at full advance."

[exeric]

That is very useful, Paul. I am learning impaired when it comes to engine stuff so every tip is helpful. The problem with the late Sport Scout is finding a good way to turn the motor, yet be able to visually observe valve motion, points, timing marks, etc. Good mechanics can do all of that stuff on the bench, put the motor in and know it's going to run. . . . That ain't me

[FLFD7]

Eric,
Put a wrench on the trans main shaft…..

IMG_2177.jpeg IMG_2178.jpeg

This is a 101 but works the same on Sport Scout. Don’t forget to take out the spark plugs.
That way you are on the same side as the distributor and valves.

[exeric]

Joe, I would do that if the chain guard didn't require a letter from the governor to remove I mean, that is one ornery s-o-b to get on or off. And of course this reminds me of a story. . . We all remember Sarge (R.I.P.), he made a comment about why Indian didn't make the SS after WW2. He said it was because Indian had worn out their tooling during the war and couldn't make the venerable pre-war Sport Scout. My opinion is; the '41-42 SS was very difficult, and time consuming for the Indian factory to build, and gave them little (if any) profit margin. I also think dealers, and end users found the SS difficult to maintain, and work on, unlike the much friendlier and far less complex Chief. I'm curious what others think.

[PaulCDF]

Eric; I think I missed the point. (Not that unusual for me) Now hours and COFFEE later.
That is a Nice tool you made. How die you make it?

[FLFD7]

Eric,
Yeah, the chain guard is a pain…but how often are you timing it? I’ve timed my Scout racer in the frame, but my chain guard is cut down.
My friend Jules used to say you could do two Chiefs in the time it takes to do one Sport Scout…..I’ve done three of them so far and I wholeheartedly agree.
Joe

[exeric]

Eric; I think I missed the point. (Not that unusual for me) Now hours and COFFEE later.
That is a Nice tool you made. How die you make it?

I have a lathe, a milling machine, and I'm a cheapskate so I make stuff that my crazy brain dreams up. I like making things, and I think that is the best part of this passion for old motorcycles.

[gharper]

Beware of using the exhaust tappet as a guide for engine timing. With non stock cams, all that can change, even just a bit due to different duration and overlap.

Eric, that's a nice tool and will do the job well. You're good at coming up with creative ideas!

[tomfiii]

Exhaust tappet timing as per Robyn Markey.

[FLFD7]

Eric,

Not for nothing but is the master link on your generator drive chain on backwards?

[exeric]

Eric,

Not for nothing but is the master link on your generator drive chain on backwards?

Yes Sir. I have assigned that item #8,992 on my list of screw-ups, and things to fix.

[BoschZEV]

the master link on your generator drive chain on backwards?

I have to wonder how many backwards masterlinks on primary chains (or drive chains, for that matter) have ever been knocked off by something of the necessary shape and weight hitting them at just the right angle to open the arms of the clip and then to push it off.

[T. Cotten]

I have to wonder how many backwards masterlinks on primary chains (or drive chains, for that matter) have ever been knocked off by something of the necessary shape and weight hitting them at just the right angle to open the arms of the clip and then to push it off.

It doesn't have to be backwards, BoschZEV,

For the old rear chain full enclosures to pop one off when rolling backwards.

(Its been sold...)

....Cotten