Ignition timing

If you use 'super' fuel 32 deg is fine and you should use it.  Cheers, Howard  

As I am working on the engine of my 1956 Dominator 99 and I had previously ran the bike  with the timing is set at the book recommendation of 36 deg btdc, is it advisable to retard it to less than the 36 deg  ?

George

I don't know that 36 deg BTDC is quoted in any Norton publications but it seems too advanced to me.  I have run many Dominator engines on many types of fuels but find that 32 deg is best going fast unless you're using 'dope' or perhaps pure Avgas.  Good luck George, regards, Howard

Apologies Howard. I should have typed 32 deg.btdc ! Is there any  benefit with modern fuels in reducing it to say 30 deg ?

George

Perhaps if you're plodding around a town or city and keeping a high gear then accelerate and get some pinking,  a little bit retarded may work.  However if you ride the open road and run super  grade fuels rather than supermarket pig swill topped up with local cider,  32 deg is best.  Cheers, howard

Hello first thing is to remove the tank and then the rocker covers to find TDC on the right stroke making sure the Magneto's points are looking up to the battery box you should find were the ring cam closes the points this is for the left hand cylinder the ignition lead is the back of the mag next to the battery box the nearest ignition lead is for the right hand cylinder  you the find TDC with all the valves closed then fit the timing disc and pointer and turn back the piston to 31.1/2 degrees until the points are next to p opening now hold the center bolt with a Terry's spanner and do up the ADT. Job done yours Anna j