`82 Intruder / Initial Timing

[rjohnston84]

Hello all from Upstate NY. I have a `82 Intruder 440/FC and was wondering where initial ignition timing should be at idle. I have learned that timing on these machines will retard at higher rpm`s. It`s very sluggish at low end. Carb`s are in sync and as far as setting `total timing` to (17-18deg.) at 6500 rpm`s, that seems to be impossible to achieve. Any tip`s would be awesome!
Thanks..

[mswyka]

Good afternoon.  What do you call Upstate?  I am in Orange County.

Do you have a Shop Manual?

[rjohnston84]

I am due East of Northern Lake Erie. and yes, I do have a shop manual, but I am looking for `initial timing.` which is at idle. Shop manual specifies timing as I posted originally.

[gixxer6]

If you are having trouble setting your timing to 18 deg at 6500 then you may have an issue with your cdi/coil.  When did the issue start?

[rjohnston84]

Original cdi/coil unit has been replaced with separate coil/cdi units from pre 1982 models. Performance issues originated prior to ignition modification. My understanding the `performance bog` has always been there on these machines right out of the crate and many have upgraded with late model polaris cdi/coil units which tremendously improve timing curve. again, i`m after `initial timing` specs.

[mswyka]

I have never done too much with timing.  I set the stator to the factor mark and the sleds have all run well.  We do not have any bog on any of the sleds - which are all running OEM CDI boxes.  There are a couple of threads here on the forum on timing and others will know much more about timing than me.  What I can do is throw a timing light on one of the Intruders and see what it reads at idle.  I will be out of town for a few weeks but should be able to run this check by mid-October.

We have in the past seen variability in performance with carburation.  Kawasaki posted different jet specifications for different year Intruders.  We picked the jet set up from the best performing Intruder and have replicated that across all our Intruder years.  This set up has worked well - 25 pilot, 150 main, 120 powerjet (mag), 130 powerjet (pto).  I will add that we run between 600 and 1,000 feet above sea level. There is also a small moat in the top of the needle jet that can get dirty or gummed.  It is important for that moat to be free of obstructions so that the sled gets all of the fuel that it is expecting.

We have also found that performance can also be closely tied to crank seals and clutch operation.  Have your crank seals been changed?  Is the secondary clutch completely free to slide on the jackshaft?

[gixxer6]

Original cdi/coil unit has been replaced with separate coil/cdi units from pre 1982 models. Performance issues originated prior to ignition modification. My understanding the `performance bog` has always been there on these machines right out of the crate and many have upgraded with late model polaris cdi/coil units which tremendously improve timing curve. again, i`m after `initial timing` specs.

They did not bog out of the box.  They are old piston port motors with a poor timing curve, so while they weren't known for low end torque, when tuned correctly, there was zero bog.  I run Polaris CDI's on my Invaders and there is a noticeable improvement over stock.  I don't know what the timing is at idle.   

There are many things that can cause a bog, mswyka hit most of them, carburation, clutching, crank seals, air box, timing all need to be working properly.  I suggest focusing on getting your timing set at 6500 as the manual states.

[Interceptor398]

I have never messed with the timing on one of these.  If it has a bog carb and clutching are most likely the issue.  Great sleds.  My 82 Intruder has an idle down issue but had never left me stranded.

[mswyka]

Good morning.  I am back home and was able to do the timing check on the Intruder.  Ideling at 2,800 I am measuring 14 degrees BTDC.  My set-up was all homemade, so this could be off 1 or 2 degrees in either direction.

I am not sure how exactly to hold the engine at 6,500 to do the factory check, but my sense is that if they wanted to know what was going on at 6,500 there was a good reason.

[Interceptor398]

To see if the advance is working??  Something I have never played with.