S&S Cycle Bore 4 1⁄8 V-Series Engines - Manual (Page 19)

Pinging or ignition knock is an early sign of detonation and
possible impending engine damage. Should pinging occur,
the throttle must be backed off and the cause determined and
corrected. Excessive retard is less obvious but equally
destructive. For that reason, final timing should be confirmed
with a timing light or other accepted procedure.
a. Remove timing plug from left-side engine crankcase.
See Picture 40.
b. Install timing mark view plug into crankcase. See
Picture 41.
c. Refer to service manual or instructions specific to the
ignition system being used. Find the RPM in which the
ignition “fully advances”.
d. Attach inductive pick-up from timing light to spark
plug wire.
NOTE- If the timing light being used requires an external power
source, it is advised to use a separate, stand-alone battery.
Charging system pulsing may cause a fluctuation in the timing
light strobe if the motorcycle’s battery is used.
e. Start motorcycle. Run the engine to the “full advance”
RPM of the ignition system and look for the timing
mark through the view plug. The front cylinder
advance mark on the flywheel (F/30) should be seen
through the view plug.
NOTE- With the front cylinder advance mark centered in the
timing hole at the full advance rpm of the ignition system, the
timing will be set at 30º.
f. S&S ® suggests the following timing specifications:
1. 111”- 32º (Timing mark at the right-side, or towards
the rear, of the timing hole.)
2. 117”- 30º (Timing mark in the center of the timing
hole.)
3. 124”- 28º (Timing mark at the left-side, or towards
the front, of the timing hole.)
Proper ignition timing is essential to safe engine operation.
Timing that’s too advanced will result in detonation and
engine damage. Timing that’s too retarded will result in
engine over-heating and engine damage.
NOTE- If S&S determines that engine damage was caused by
improper ignition timing, repair will not be covered under
warranty.
g. Reinstall the crankcase timing plug.
SUGGESTIONS
1. V.O.E.S. - S&S Cycle does suggest the ignition system selected
for use with this 4
1 ⁄
8
" bore engine utilize the V.O.E.S. (Vacuum
Operated Electric Switch). Check the switch using a hand
vacuum pump with a gauge and set the switch to trip at 6 in.
of vacuum-Mercury. See Picture 28.
2. OIL TEMPERATURE - Operating temperature for engine oil
should be between 180º - 240º F. If engine oil temperature
stays above 240º, and correct ignition timing has been
verified, S&S Cycle suggests that an oil cooler be installed.
19
CAUTION
CAUTION
S&S ® Recommended Regular Service Intervals
Item Interval
Engine Oil & Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Change at 50, 500, 2,500 miles, every 2,500 miles thereafter. 1
Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect at 50 and 500 miles, every 2,500 miles thereafter. Replace every 5,000 miles. 2
Tappet Oil Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect at 50 and 500 miles, every 2,500 miles thereafter.
Petcock, Lines, & Fittings, Vacuum Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect at 50 and 500 miles, every 2,500 miles thereafter.
Fuel Tank Filter Screen & In-Line Fuel Filter (If used) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Every 5,000 miles.
Engine Idle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Adjust as required.
Operation of Throttle & Enrichment Device Controls . . . . . . . . . .Inspect & lubricate throttle cables at 500 miles and every 2,500 miles
thereafter.
Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect every 5,000 miles. Replace every 10,000 miles or as needed.
Ignition Timing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect every 5,000 miles.
Engine Mounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inspect every 500 miles and every 5,000 miles thereafter.
External Fasteners Except Engine Head Bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Re-torque at 500 miles and every 5,000 miles thereafter.
1 S&S recommends that petroleum-based oil not specifically formulated for air-cooled motorcycles should be changed every
1,000 miles.
2 Replace more frequently if required or if engine is operated in a dusty environment.