Set your own timing with stock magneto magnet

[Wevil Kenevil]

I was looking at offset woodruff keys for changing the timing on my motor and then it dawned on me to just spin the magnet so the slot is at the "7" o'clock position and use a hacksaw blade and file to cut a new keyway on the other side closer to the tdc of the magnet.

I haven't had the chance to try it out yet but I'm just about to rn. I will let you know how it goes. Hopefully it will work. I'm going to set my hole back about the thickness of a paper match... Maybe a little less. Shooting for about 4% offset.

Setting it back will make it run smoother correct?

 

[Wevil Kenevil]

It works. I stripped one layer of laminate from the paper match stick for my thickness and I've gotten control of the carbonation ... ( the layman's interpretation of the atomization of gas molecules mixing with the atmospheric condition at that moment.)

 

[Venice Motor Bikes]

One must always be very careful when messing with the timing of air-cooled engines.

If you add too much advance, the engine will feel more powerful, but it will run too hot & burn up.
33 degrees BTDC is about the max you should run.

 

[Wevil Kenevil]

One must always be very careful when messing with the timing of air-cooled engines.

If you add too much advance, the engine will feel more powerful, but it will run too hot & burn up.
33 degrees BTDC is about the max you should run.

I was going for the retard to make it run smoother. Not by much either just a little bit. From everything I've read in the forums about 4° retard is about right. Is that correct Norm?

The motor is definitely smoothed out. It doesn't quite feel so punchy but it's smooth.

 

[Wevil Kenevil]

The one on the right was purchased by a friend of mine who likes messing with bikes.
It's advanced 4° just for reference.

 

[Wevil Kenevil]

Another way I read on here how to adjust your timing involves camphoring the outside inner edge around the inside of the shaft hole of the magnet and making a pinch washer like in the photo. I will let you know how it works out when I get a chance to install it. But it's infinitely adjustable and easy to do.

I just drilled out a nut to fit the shaft and tapered it into a cone shape with a Dremel to fit the camphor. Make sure to leave a little bit of the pinch washer sticking out of the hole so the nut holding it on has something to push against so it snugs down and pinches the magnet between it and the shaft it rides on.

DONT DRILL OUT THE MAGNET if you can avoid it. The bit grabs the laminate layers and the thing will come a part very quickly.

Also wrap the magnet in tape so you don't have to remove the metal particles from it when you are done.

Cheers!