Point gap variance

[Mike Dix]

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.

[Jerry Wieland]

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

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.

[aumick10]

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?

[DanM]

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.

[Steve Swan]

from full retard, to start i advance i turn the grip about 1/3 towards advance.

[Rubone]

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.

[Mike Dix]

Rebuilding a “29”

[Mike Dix]

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

[Steve Swan]

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.

[scooterwrench]

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.