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Norton Atlas static timing degrees.

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Hi all, I have a Thorspark ignition on my 64 Atlas which I am trying to get going. Everywhere I look a get the timing for fully advanced at 28 to 30 degrees. However, this is if it's running at revs - ie. when the ignition advances. 

However, I am struggling to get it started and firing in the right place at kick start, i.e it doesn't start at all at the 28-30 degrees advance which to me isn't a surprise.

Does anyone know what the static timing value in degrees so I can get it going? I cant find this value anywhere.

Thanks in advance (hehe - no pun intended)

Tony

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The Thortspark instructions say it relies on the original advance mechanism.  If you have auto advance, you wedge it open at the full advance position and set it there at 28 degrees (or whatever...).  When you remove the wedge, the auto advance will return to the usual retarded position for starting.  (Wherever that may be...).  The difference between the retarded start position and full advance isn't usually used and isn't usually easy to find.  And you never know if a PO has fitted a different replacement unit, because they aren't all the same.

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If it wont start or kicks back I would set it at 5 degrees static before tdc . And see how it is.Some of my bikes try to bite with standard settings so 5 degrees . they may not perform to the max but then neither can I.

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An electronic ignition conversion that uses the Lucas auto advance sounds like a bad joke to me.

Which is not what you asked!  Retarded timing for starting usually is not critical. Anything from 5 to 20 degrees BTDC should get the engine started.

It's just a cheap and cheerful halfway house. Actually not that cheap at £150, considering that it is just an electronic points replacement module that you can get for £20, or a lot less if you buy directly from China

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Not necessarily a fan of electronic ignition myself Robin,  but cheaper in the short run until I get it going.

Another magneto is going to be £250+, 350+ if its a new one.

I put a Boyer-Bransden EI on a 350 Bullet but took it off and put it back to points as it was unreliable.

 



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