Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

[jimh6278]

I have completed installing new coils, points, condensers & plug wires and am now ready to reinstall the base plate but I have 4 questions.

1. There is a fair amount of old grease. Do I leave it or try to get it all off.

2. Exactly where do I apply new grease

3. Any hints on how to get the plug boot on the new wire so that there is good contact. The old boots have a bar, not a screw point like the coils.

4. Is it going to hurt anything if after reinstalling the flywheel but before torquing the nut I give the system a spin with a drill to see if the new plugs fire.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

I test mine for spark before retorquing all the time. I just turn my flywheel by hand with the spark plugs out. You'll be "shocked" by how easy you can make a spark---if everything is right.
I like to get the trash grease off. I think a couple of drops of light oil on the oiling wick and maybe a little bit on the bottom of the armature plate is all you'll need. Too much stuff on your wick and such will get slung around and booger up your points. I have no idea about your plug boots. Mine have a little coil of wire with a sharp 90 degree turn with a sharp point on it that you push into the side of the wire, then slide the boot over it.
Good luck with your fastwin,
JBJ

 

[jimh6278]

Re: Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

Another question. There is what appears to be a timing mark on the throttle control cam but I can't find anything to line it up on.

 

[F_R]

Re: Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

The cam is adjusted so that it just barely starts to kick the carb throttle open when the mark is aligned with the center of the roller.

Clean all that old crappy grease out of there before installing your new clean points.

The mounting rings should be lubricated very sparingly with a smear of EP grease. Excess grease just gets slung off to re-foul the points. Same with the oil wick, easy does it. If a new wick, it probably is pre-lubed, don't add anything.

A knotted rope makes a handy flywheel spinner for spark testing.

 

[jimh6278]

Re: Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

I used Naptha on paper towels to clean the grease. can i do the same with the drive shaft before reinstalling the flywheel.

 

[Xcusme]

Re: Awakening '54 Fastwin - ignition

If you,re talking about the tapered end of the crankshaft, yes, Naptha will clean that just fine. The flywheel taper should be a dry fit, no grease or oil.