Hello all,

I bought a "Powerdynamo" combined dynamo and mag some time ago,
And now I am looking to install it into a project bike I am building for a while.

It is an M21, late model, don't remember what year,
Which had many alterations done to it.
I re-built it, not to original specs at all, but much calmer than it was...

Anyway, I installed a "Powerdynamo" mag on it,
And according to the instructions, I need to time it as normal,
Meaning: when the electronic sensor is engaged, (Much like when the points are just start to open)
It needs to be at 7/16" before TDC.

But here is my concern:
When we do it to the Lucas, it is on FULL ADVANCE.
If I do the same to the Poerdynamo, it would only be the starting point
To the auto advance system, so it would go some 42 deg' OVER this point.
Is it logical to time it closed to the TDC, and not to 7/16" BTDC?

I hope I managed to explain myself correctly and would appreciate any input.

Best regards,
Noam..

If the unit is retarded initially and then advances the timing electronically as revs increase then you will need to alter the initial timing point I'd have thought...

The original set up is set fully advanced and then only retarded as required manually, so it effectively has a fixed timing setting....

However, under normal conditions you wouldn't start an M21 in the fully retarded position either...So, an initial starting point at 'full retard' wouldn't be right either...

As the instructions tell you to set it at the normal fully advanced position it may be applying progressive retard based on engine revs rather than progressive advance...

I'd be inclined to contact the supplier for clarification before your head starts to hurt...mine already has ...Ian

email (option): ian@wright52.plus.com

It's possible.

The default position of a Boyer ignition is full advance and it requires battery volts in order to retard it. It then progressively advances as revs increase.

This causes the unfortunate side effect of vicious kick-backs if the battery has dropped below about 9.5v and it destroys electric starters on the 850 Mk3 - Using the electric starter pulls available battery volts down so starting is on full advance which causes a backfire that tries to turn the sprag backwards.

Thanks Ian and Rick.

The possibility of starting retarded have not crossed my mind... interesting.
I have contacted the manufacturer, and he sent me what I have already known:
When setting the ignition I need to bring the engine to the timing point,
And then fasten the electronic magneto when the electronic sensor/trigger
Is in parallel position to the magnet which triggers it.

What I understood, and may be wrong, is that in that point the magneto
Would spark, and from this point and on, there is only more advance...
The good side of the this electronic magneto is, that much like the original,
It does not require any battery.

I asked the manufacturer again, only to be sure...
Lets see what he will say.

Cheers,
Noam.