1927 J Model timing issue

[ChrisLewis]

Hello good people

My 1927 J was running fine until Saturday, I was playing around with the advance and retard to find an optimum setting.
It started to back fire and finally died on me, leading me to think the timing has moved.
Upon Inspection I removed the plugs to check the spark, both appear to be sparking however the front plug was a lovely brown but the rear is very wet.
Possibly a coil issue ? as there is still loads of compression.
I am reluctant to go further until I can get some advise, I don't even know how to get the cover off to inspect the points, and don't want to touch it until I know what I am doing.
Any help would be appreciated, especially diagrams.

Many thanks

Chris Lewis (UK)
chris@cssurvey.co.uk - 07967561743

[exeric]

I think the coil, and condenser would be good places to start. I know from experience that a condenser can fail with no warning, and the symptoms are similar to those you describe.

[ChrisLewis]

Condensor

Thanks Eric.

Just need to find where I can order a condenser now, and possibly a coil !! can anybody help

Regards

Chris (UK)

[MMasa]

If you are using a stock 1927-28 coil, then the condenser is inside of the coil.
Mark

[Steve Swan]

Thanks Eric.

Just need to find where I can order a condenser now, and possibly a coil !! can anybody help

Regards

Chris (UK)

http://www.replicantmetals.com/products-j.html

[ChrisLewis]

Thanks Mark & Steve

All information is gratefully received.
I have e-mailed replicant metals so hopefully the will post to the UK.
Regards

Chris

2 bikes.jpgbatt. box.JPG

[exeric]

Chris, in your second picture I see the later, and more common H-D square coil that was used from 1930 and up. The condenser is not inside that coil and will be outside somewhere. A 1927 J used a different coil which is why Steve Swan recommended Replicant Metals. A condenser should be easily obtainable, as well as aftermarket square coils.

[Steve Swan]

Chris, could you share a few more pics of your beautiful 27 ? i am collecting as many pictures of as many original and restored 27's as i can find. Thanks in advance.

[ChrisLewis]

Hi Eric
Thought exactly the same hence attaching the photograph, (didn't look correct) against the advertised one, think I may change it though
Steve
Few more photographs

MAIN right.jpglinks.jpgeng L.jpgIMG_0269.jpgIMG_0293.jpg

[exeric]

Still a beautiful motorcycle Chris. I like the '27J the most of the post '25J streamliners. They just look cleaner, and less busy than the later Js. Probably because they don't have a front brake. I guess that could be a plus, or a minus; depending on your point of view

[Steve Swan]

Chris, a big thank you for the wonderful pictures. gorgeous bike.

[Steve Swan]

just found this on feebay...... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Harley-J-JD-...hWZFxy&vxp=mtr

[ChrisLewis]

Hi Eric

Thank you, however credit must go to the original restoration, (unfortunately I don't know his name) I purchased the bike from Bart Crauwels in Belgium, (fearless Bart the TT rider) and have only done some minor cosmetic's. Still at least it is now being used on the roads and not lounging in a front room somewhere !

Front brake ? does it have a back brake ?, cosmetically yes, practically no !!

Starting on a Hill with a foot clutch and no front brake is an emotional situation, (best to be avoided).

Regards

Chris

[ChrisLewis]

Thanks Steve

Amazing how many people are re producing items for these wonderful machines.
When myself and two friends came over to the States in September we visited the Jack Daniels factory in Lynchburg TN, and the Harley dealer in town has a J on display, (nobody new if it ran or not though). (I say Harley dealer when I really mean a T shirt shop !)
Also there was a Royal Enfield (I think) from the Korean war in town, Ironic me being English and owning 1 of the 4 remaining 1949 WLA's from this period.
meaning the British bike in the US, and the US bike in England. Bizarre !
Regards

Chris

Chris

[Bro74]

If that is a V-Twin coil, lots of luck. I put 2 on my 28 JD and neither lasted over 75 miles. VERY poor quality. I finally put an electronic ignition from Quick Start and has worked beautifully.