I posted this in the tech forum but got no replies so I will try here.

I have an '03 883 with the NRHS 1250 conversion kit installed. I have some pinging and was told to retard the timing by 1/2 a click. Can someone tell me if I turn the plate counterclockwise to retard the timing? Also I already set the timing according to the manual but I didn't notice any marks inthere to go by (but I will certainly look harder this time), does anyone know if in fact there are marks to go by?
Thanks

 

How can you say you set your timing correctly without seeing the timming mark, i'm sure this is your problem. I just did the 1250 conversion too. You need to use a strobe light and have a clear timing hole plug. This has to be done with the engine running a fast idle.....if I remember around 1600-2000 rpm. you also need to make sure the timing plug is theaded in far enough to just about touch the flywheel, but not rubbing on it. Then with thetimming light pointed at the clear timming plug rotate the timming plate while looking through the plug to see the timming mark........the timing mark is a small dimple in the flywheel and can be difficult to see, but it's there. Set timing so the dimple is in the center of the hole, then tighten up the plate. If you do do this, then the clicks are the little dash marks on the edge of the timming plate. I found no need to retard the spark, i just aligned the timming mark in the center of the window and that works great and runs the best. My conversion info is 1250, hc pistions 10.5:1, andrews n4 cams.

anyhow, when is it pinging??? Make sure it's not a carb issue, having a lean range in the carb will cause pinging too. This was the case for me, I have a mikuni carb and had to rejet everything, and use a richer needle, this cured the pinging.

 

drum,
thanks for your reply. Sorry I guess I wasn't clear, I was wondering about the click marks on the plate under the timing cover.

I had already donejust as you said, with the clear timing plug in the hole and found my TDC then adjusted my plate with the red LED method then fired it up and set the timing with my light and the marks in the clear plug. But I still have pinging under load when the engine is hot.

My setup is the 1250 conversion with stock 883 heads and cams, reverse dome 10.5:1 pistons, SE triple platinum plugs for higher compression engines,SE A/C and slip ons. I did rejet the stock carb when I did the conversion to 45 slow and 175 main jet. It runs great and pulls hard but under load it pings. I was going to try a 180 main jet but Iemailed Dan at NRHS and he said to retard the timing by 1/2 click. I just didn't remember seeing any clicks in there but I need to take off the cover again and look again as soon as I have time.
Thanks again