Ignition Advance

[MrOzz]

I am getting this tick, tick tick, comming from the ignition advance unit. Is this normal or should I start to worry about it? Any fixes or should it be replaced?

Thanks all,
Ozz

[bikerphil]

I'd take off the left cover, check if everything's tight in there.

[devilschld]

I am getting this tick, tick tick, comming from the ignition advance unit. Is this normal or should I start to worry about it? Any fixes or should it be replaced?

Thanks all,
Ozz

it may also be needing valve adjustments

[randy]

Or the vacuum hose might be cracked.

Or the carb synch is off.

Or the vacuum dashpot is leaking.

Or an advance spring has snapped. (you didn't list your model, so it may or may not have a mechanical advance mechanism)

[MrOzz]

bikerphil,

Thats the first thing I did. All seems tight.

devilschld,

The ticking is not from the valves. I just checked my valves last month and all was in spec.

randy,

Model is in my signature.
Hose looks clean, no cracks. What is the best way for checking the vacuum dashpot?

Thanks guys for your help.

[DiverRay]

I would start with some spray silicone lube in the advance area. You may want to check the vacuum post the hose is connected to, as well. It MUST be on the nipple in the #2 carb BODY, and NOT connected to ANY intake boot port. With that said, you COULD connect it to a post if you put a small jet into the line. That should take out the large swings in vacuum you get from the intake port.

[randy]

Oops missed that. 80SG has mechanical advance, you may have a broken spring, to test the dashpot, engine off, pull the vacuum line from the dashpot, rotate the timing plate counterclockwise, put your finger over the end of the nipple on the dashpot and let the timing plate go. If the dashpot holds vacuum, and the timing plate stays put it's OK. Release you finger and the dashpot/timing plate should snap back to the resting position. If the dashpot checks OK, I'd check the carb synch.

Wait a minute, you DO have the vacuum line on the #2 carb, right? NOT on the manifold boot?

[MrOzz]

The vacuum line is on the #2 carb body and not the boot. I will test the dashpot as you discribed.

Thanks again guys.

Ozz

[bikerphil]

My bet is on the mechanical advance springs being broken. If you've never had the timing plate off, the mechanical advance mechanism can rust up and the bearing for the timing plate can get sticky.

[MrOzz]

Thanks for your help all. I found the issue. It was a broken spring. All fixed and running normal now.