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Spark Plug Gap

Yetiatlarge

Yetiatlarge

Member
Just came across this forum when I was searching for info.
I am in some others but I like that this is all Harley.
I need help with plug gap issue.

I have a 1970 Electra Glide all stock, "I think" but with electronic ignition.
Setting for points ignition is .028-.033.
Should I open them up a bit with electronic?
I get some pinging when I crack the throttle and plugs are always black when I look at them.
I have a new Bendix carb this year which helped a lot.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
 
I have no expertise in this area (actually not many areas) but there are a lot of REALLY smart folks on this forum that will be able to answer your question.

Welcome!
 
If your plugs are black, you need a carb adjustment/jets. I have no experience with bendix carbs, sorry.

The increasing/decreasing the gap with not help with this problem....
 
Yetiatlarge said:
Just came across this forum when I was searching for info.
I am in some others but I like that this is all Harley.
I need help with plug gap issue.

I have a 1970 Electra Glide all stock, "I think" but with electronic ignition.
Setting for points ignition is .028-.033.
Should I open them up a bit with electronic?
I get some pinging when I crack the throttle and plugs are always black when I look at them.
I have a new Bendix carb this year which helped a lot.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

I would say that your ping is more due to the timing rather than point setting, however changing the point gap also changes timing.

I set the points with a dwell meter and 1/2 the figure on the 4 cylinder scale and set them to 32*
 
do what Glider said first. If you still have a ping it could be related to the bike being a 1970 model. If it's not stock and running high compression pistons there will most likely be your problem since decent high octane fuel available at that time isn't now unless you have access to av gas at a rediculous price. Anything over 10.0 or 10.5 to 1 is gonna need 100+ octane to slow down the detonation and run trouble free.
 
Flashback said:
do what Glider said first. If you still have a ping it could be related to the bike being a 1970 model. If it's not stock and running high compression pistons there will most likely be your problem since decent high octane fuel available at that time isn't now unless you have access to av gas at a rediculous price. Anything over 10.0 or 10.5 to 1 is gonna need 100+ octane to slow down the detonation and run trouble free.
Click to expand...

You might be right about the compression being high.
It takes quite an effort for the starter to turn it over and she runs great now that I put a new Bendix carb on.
I got some real bad gas on a trip a few weeks ago and it caused a few problems.
Drained it out and cleaned carb bowl and now is a little better.
I am going to increase gap to .035 and give that a try.
I think I will do compression test and find out for sure.
I never thought of that.
Thanks for the interest.
 
Just an update on the plug gap problem.
It was not plugs or carb giving me the problem.
Turns out my reg was burning out.
Now have to change reg and stator.
Need new battery too.
My riding season is officially over for this year.
Going to ride the '92 next year while I take the '70 apart for a refit.
New top end, cam, trans work and electrics.
She will be in space dock for about a year.
At least I won't be bored this winter.
 
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