Flathead A place to talk about Flathead motors.

Spark control 42WLA

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 6, 2009 | 12:07 PM
  #1  
mjmangus's Avatar
mjmangus
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
Default Spark control 42WLA

I have a reprint of an old War Dept Tech Manual and according to this manual I am to fully advance the timing when starting. It doesn't mention where I should set it after it's started. Should I just leave it in the full advance position or retard it some?
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2009 | 01:39 PM
  #2  
FilthyLucre's Avatar
FilthyLucre
Road Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,078
Likes: 39
From: NW Florida
Default

Looking at operators manuals for several years and models they all say set the spark at full or near full advance when starting. The normal position after the motor starts is full advance. They say you may retard slightly when the motor is under load to prevent knocking. Some bikes start easier when the spark is retarded slightly. I would keep it at full advance while running.
 
Reply
Old Nov 7, 2009 | 11:08 PM
  #3  
mjmangus's Avatar
mjmangus
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
From: High Desert of So Cal
Default

That's what I had been doing but it's nice to get a second opinion. Thanks. BTW this thing is a real kick in the pants to ride.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Learch
EVO
38
Jul 13, 2020 08:55 AM
yellowstone kelly
Ironhead
3
Oct 19, 2009 08:27 AM
wildbillshdsoftail
Engine Mechanical Topics
0
Aug 11, 2009 07:12 AM
PosseRider
Ignition/Tuner/ECM/Fuel Injection
3
Aug 14, 2006 10:52 AM
Shovelhead77
Sportster Models
11
Mar 28, 2006 12:49 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:54 AM.

story-0
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-5
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-7
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-8
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE