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  • Point gap variance

    I’ve set my points on my JD to .022 in the advanced position when I retard the distributor the gap goes out to .035. I realized the breaker plate has some wear at the pivot point on the dist body and that’s where the variance comes from. I’ve been told by another JD owner that he leaves his dist in the advance position all the time and it doesn’t matter. I know if I don’t retard the spark on my 48 Pan I’m likely to have a broken leg. Should I have any concerns about this on the JD ? I haven’t started the newly rebuilt engine yet but I’m getting close.

  • #2
    My 25 JD always likes to be retarded a little when I start it. Some people don't do it - luckily they do not seem to kick back as hard as a panhead.

    Jerry


    Originally posted by Mike Dix View Post
    I’ve set my points on my JD to .022 in the advanced position when I retard the distributor the gap goes out to .035. I realized the breaker plate has some wear at the pivot point on the dist body and that’s where the variance comes from. I’ve been told by another JD owner that he leaves his dist in the advance position all the time and it doesn’t matter. I know if I don’t retard the spark on my 48 Pan I’m likely to have a broken leg. Should I have any concerns about this on the JD ? I haven’t started the newly rebuilt engine yet but I’m getting close.

    Comment


    • #3
      Mike, if you have gone to the trouble of rebuilding the engine, i would suggest you go the extra mile and rebuild the generator/distributor/timer.
      What year are you rebuilding?

      Comment


      • #4
        I had this exact problem. I was able to open up the points plate and made a bushing to press/loctite in. I retard my timing frequently.
        Dan Margolien
        Yankee Chapter National Meet July 31/August 1 2020 at the TERRYVILLE Fairgounds, Terryville CT.
        Www.yankeechapter.org
        Pocketvalve@gmail.com

        Comment


        • #5
          from full retard, to start i advance i turn the grip about 1/3 towards advance.
          Steve Swan

          27JD 11090 Restored
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClUPIOo7-o8
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtuptEAlU30

          27JD 13514 aka "Frank"
          https://forum.antiquemotorcycle.org/...n-Project-SWAN
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNRB...nnel=steveswan

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSDeuTqD9Ks
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwlIsZKmsTY

          Comment


          • #6
            If you are actually riding your bike as it was meant to be operated you will be using the advance grip alongside the throttle for best performance. Steep inclines, long grades, slow traffic, all benefit from use of both controls. Fix yours.
            Robbie Knight Amca #2736

            Comment


            • #7
              Rebuilding a “29”

              Comment


              • #8
                Was thinking along that line. Checked the dist housing and that has wear. Looks like it could be brazed and it’s easy to chuck up in the lathe. Thanks for the input

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Rubone View Post
                  If you are actually riding your bike as it was meant to be operated you will be using the advance grip alongside the throttle for best performance. Steep inclines, long grades, slow traffic, all benefit from use of both controls. Fix yours.
                  Couldn't agree more with Robbie's sage advice. not being able to roll on the retard in city 90 sharp street turns or in traffic, or loose gravel, the bike can definitely move faster than is comfortable. using retard/advance makes for overall smooth operation.
                  Steve Swan

                  27JD 11090 Restored
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClUPIOo7-o8
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtuptEAlU30

                  27JD 13514 aka "Frank"
                  https://forum.antiquemotorcycle.org/...n-Project-SWAN
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNRB...nnel=steveswan

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSDeuTqD9Ks
                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwlIsZKmsTY

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Another thing to check is the breaker arm pivot bushing. This 1919 I'm working on ran like dookie until I made a new bushing.

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