Advanced timing problems...maybe (total loss)

[Waternut]

Before I installed my single channel total loss setup the ski was running great. Had issues with head pipe bolts but that's another story.

Once I put the total loss on, it ran great for about an hour and started backfiring and all sorts of other stuff it shouldn't be doing. Found out that was due to the trigger plate coming loose and spinning freely. I fixed that and put everything back in...made sure the trigger plate was on there good.

When I did a static timing it showed 40°. I was under the impression that true timing would actually be 35° and I could then back it off an additional 7° with dip switches. I put it at what I thought was 30° and it runs like @ss!! Once I get up to speed (15-20 seconds later) it runs great as long as I don't back off on the throttle.

Am I running too much advanced timing, figuring static timing incorrectly, or what? I can't get this thing to run... I can't see the flywheel with the pipe in so I marked up the coupling as best I could and that shows roughly 33° with a timing light. When I rev the engine to check the retard timing, I can see the timing start to retard and then everything becomes a blur and I can't read it.

 

[McDog]

When are you coming back to Tobo? Are you subtracting 5 degrees with the timing light? I don't think you are supposed to, the timing light should be dead on.

 

[Waternut]

No I'm figuring the timing light is accurate just can't understand why the ski runs like total crap even at 30°-35° of static timing. At first I figured maybe the pickup was spaced incorrectly but at higher rpms the ski runs fine which would eliminate that thought.

I was at Tobo last sunday and figured the ski ran like it did because of a crank seal leak. Split the case, fixed that, and came out this morning but it still runs like crap...I'm trying to be more conservative on the timing and see if that helps. I plan to be back out tommorrow morning/afternoon so wish me luck. lol

This ski is about to get parted out if it keeps breaking every ride...

 

[McDog]

You need a SUPERJET! My ski will be on the water tomorrow. I'm finishing up my total loss setup now. I built an extra ramp you can park your ski on so call me and/or knock on my door. I'll need your carb tuning help.

 

[waxhead]

can you tell us what its unning on the timing light at about 1500rpm

 

[Waternut]

You need a SUPERJET! My ski will be on the water tomorrow. I'm finishing up my total loss setup now. I built an extra ramp you can park your ski on so call me and/or knock on my door. I'll need your carb tuning help.

The more this thing breaks....the more I think about a SJ. It just worries me because I don't even have $2k total in this ski and I know that will just barely buy me a SN and a pipe.

If I can get it working tommorrow I'll drop by but I don't know if you want me touching your ski. Everything I fix effing breaks! haha :rant:

can you tell us what its running on the timing light at about 1500rpm

Well it was reading 33° based on my markings on the coupler. It's more than I want but that's with the 7 degrees taken off so I had to readjust the trigger plate for anything less than that. I have adjusted the plate now and currently hooking everything back up.

 

[Waternut]

Update:
I just retarded the trigger plate 6° to bring me back to where I want to be. Didn't touch the timing on the brain...timing light is still showing 33° on the same coupler markings. WTF?!?! I think retarded is the perfect word for this.

Maybe I was running almost 40° earlier and that was the problem...