Triumphrat

delrazor

Don't ask me why or how I never checked my timing before spending many hours jetting and replacing carbs, etc.

Anyway the last straw was when a mate brought in the same model t120 71 as mine and it went like stink. Frightened me.

So this morning I woke up with a big stupid light bulb above my head.. repeatedly slapping me. Family day was postponed until I had ridden to my workshop and set the timing.

With the strobe, the line was halfway between the two threaded holes. I shifted the boyer stator until it ran on the line. It must have been running at around 20 degrees BTDC.

Ran it around the block and it was 100 % faster. which is nice.

One thing tho is that if I don't really commit to the kick, it kichs back and farts through the carbs. is this NORMAL?

cheers
derek

__________________
derek

Melbourne, Australia
71 T120RV
Progress blog - http://dirtystriumph.blogspot.com/

SlowPocono

I taught myself a similar lesson. My T140E started easily and ran sort of ok but the right plug would foul after a short run while the left plug had a white insulator. The carbs are old but clean and the float levels are correct and I couldn't find any air leaks. I couldn't check the timing because I was reluctant to buy a new strobe after selling mine five years ago. I was certain the timing couldn't be far off because it was so easy to start the engine. Finally, I made the investment and discovered that the timing was extremely advanced. Now, the engine starts even easier and both plugs have a classic "dark chocolate" color. I'm still amazed that the timing could have that effect.

RetroRod

Delrazor

A well timed Triumph motor will not kick back on startup, full stop.

Kick back on the start is an indication of advanced timing, which you do not want for the simple reason that it will contribute to hotter running, even though it may at the same time contribute slightly to an increase in power.

Similarly, lean mixtures tend to give more power, but the price may be piston failure from excessive heat.

You have more work to do on your timing I'm afraid. RR

delrazor

missed something somewhere. obviously it is more that just getting the line to meet the pointy marker.
will research tonight. Meanwhile I have set it back a few degrees just in case.
Thanks for the heads up.
derek

__________________
derek

Melbourne, Australia
71 T120RV
Progress blog - http://dirtystriumph.blogspot.com/

Plewsy

Hi delrazor don't blame yersel blame the daft petrol thats sold today.
As you have found out These trusty Triumphs can run fairly well, even when they are not set up right.
After I strobed mine It was pinking, so I did the fine tuning by ear and retarded the
timing until the pinking (knocking) stopped.
It is a lot safer to have retarded timing than advanced as too advanced can burn your pistons
retarded will just waste fuel.
It does not sound like you are far out with your setting.
So get your bike nice and hot, then from a slow speed in a high gear (up hill if poss)
roll the throttle back, more than necessary,
this will make your motor pink if the timing is advanced any, (and really try to make it)
if it does pink, a midgies of a turn clockwise on the stator should cure it, repeat the test as often as you want.

rowntree

I agree that it shouldn't kick back or spit through the carb. Did you check that the rotor marks were in the right place by using the special tool (inserted behind the cylinders)? You have a 71? There are two slots in the crank that the tool will fit into. You need the 38 degree slot. Once you have this set you can see if the pointer lines up with the rotor mark.

Kick back can also be caused by a bad battery if you have electronic ignition.

delrazor

funny that because I discovered a broken wire (rectifier to battery) the other day. battery was at 9.6 volts. boyer still worked but not with lights on. Charged it up and will advance it again tomorrow.
derek

__________________
derek

Melbourne, Australia
71 T120RV
Progress blog - http://dirtystriumph.blogspot.com/