Ignition advance mechanisms

[dntemp_ca]

Quick question.
I want to lube both the vacuum and mechanical advance mechanisms on my 78E. In trying to disassemble, the hex bolt securing the timing plate is stubborn and I can't get it to loosen. Does it loosen clockwise or counterclockwise?

[MartyA]

regular thread, unscrews just like all the others.

Use lube sparingly. My centrifugal advance was gummed up pretty good, probably had been lubed too much one time. I actually sanded it a little. Then I wiped a thin film of lith-ease on it, then wiped most of that off. I did not oil the vacuum plate but I cleanedit out. It had a little piece of grit in it, rotated only about half way of its normal travel.

[dntemp_ca]

Thanks for the quick reply, Marty. I've already bent the allen wrench trying to loosen that bolt, so guess I'll put a little Liquid Wrench on it and give a good whack. Last year the vacuum advance was chattering like crazy until I cleaned and synced the carbs. Now that works smoothly, but I still have a similar knocking sound...mostly noticeable at highway speeds when accelerating above 50 mph. It seems to be coming from the left side so I'm thinking maybe the mechanical advance (behind the vacuum advance assembly) is sticky or binding. I've checked everything else from camchain.. to kickstands.. to exhaust gaskets. Take care.

[2fast]

Dennis,
Check to be certain that the vacuum advance tube is connected to the #2 carb body connection and not to one of the vacuum connections on the carb mounting boots. The wrong connection will give crazy vac advance problems. Ask me how I know.....

[MartyA]

Well, I know how you know...

[dntemp_ca]

No problems with the vac advance unit anymore. It's connected properly. I had a problem with that last summer, but early this spring I replaced the vacuum hose, installed new carb boots and then cleaned and synced the carbs; along with a pantload of other maintenance items. I don't know which one of the above solved the vac advance chatter, but it's working fine now. Coulda been any one of those things, I guess. I just finished taking the centrifugal advance off tonite and was it sticky!! 25 year old grease got all gummy in there. Then when reassembling I promptly broke a circlip....one of the little guys that goes one of the weight pivot posts! Crap! I'll be going to Canadian Tire first thing tomorrow a.m. to match up a replacement. I think I'll buy a couple! I cleaned up the entire cent. adv. assembly and put a thin coat of grease on all moving parts. Everything moves freely and smoothly now. I'm excited about the test ride tomorrow! Take care and ride smilin'