The Hodaka Club Forum

How do we set, check or change the timing on the pointless Super Combat K motors. Have not been able to find anything on this subject. The vintage Hodaka Service Bulletins mention changing the timing a bit during long motos to prevent overheating. Also need to know since I am doing a teardown and rebuild on my motor. Thanks!

I haven't timed an internal rotor Hodie since the 1970's . . . and don't have one to look at . . . but here is what I remember.

1. Use a dial indicator (down the spark plug hole) to position the piston at 2.9mm (.114") BTDC.
2. With the crank/piston at that position, rotate the stator plate such that the mark on the rotor and the timing mark on the stator are aligned.

Hopefully, someone with wayeeeeee more recent experience will hop in if I've given improper directions.

NOTE: Several folks may chime in to say that the timing specification given above is not correct. While the above spec does NOT match the original timing specification for the Super Combat, it IS an updated specification given to me by Harry Taylor in this century and was recommended by him. The original timing spec of 3.95mm (.156") BTDC is too advanced and should not be used.

Ed

That's a pretty hefty difference in timing specs. But if it works....and if you're careful you could tweek it from there.

It is appropriate to add that Harry said it was OK to stay with the original Factory timing specification IF (and ONLY IF), the Super Combat is completely stock (and he meant COMPLETELY). If ANYTHING has been changed . . . then go with the less advanced timing specification. That means, different carb, OR changed compression, OR tweaked porting, OR changed exhaust system . . . ANY change.

Ed

Thanks Ed, much appreciated.

Ed you are correct. Easy way if youmdont have a dial indicator just rotate the stator plate counter clock wise until just a tiny bit of the slot is visible past the hold down screws flat washer and you will be very close , Really!

Rich

I was in Harbor Fright (sic) yesterday and saw a device which plugs inline between the spark plug and plug wire with a light in it to show when the spark occurs. Will this work on a motorcycle?

yes. But I don't think the application would work for timing. More to show you are getting spark to the plug. ---------Clarence

I've toyed with the idea of getting an inductive pickup strobe timing light and putting together a 12v external power pack so it can be used on a magneto system. No ambiguity on the reading.

Wonder how much current a timing lihjt draws?

I had a self contained timing light, inductive and had 2 aa batteries to power the bulb. Bulb only lights when it's triggered so there is no big power draw. Worked very well.

cant beat a timing light as long as you mark TDC accurately

Rich

True, would be good to match piston position with a dial indicator to the timing mark on the flywheel.

A standard, low budget timing light from NAPA costs somewhere around $25 - $30. Connect it to your car battery for power for the bright strobe (and sensing circuitry) . . . and you can "see" when the spark is actually happening - so long as you have good and accurate mark(s) for "where" the spark should be happening.

I haven't seen a self-powered timing light at the local NAPA store, but I may start searching elsewhere. I really like the idea of NOT having to roll the bike to a location near the van, pop the hood and connect timing light to the van battery and clip the sensor onto the bike spark plug wire, start the bike and check timing. It would be pretty nifty to have a self-powered unit and be able to do the timing confirmation right in the shop.

I checked my cheapy timing light for power consumption specs. (power for the circuitry and strobe light) - but there was NO information on the light or in the manual.

Ed
PS: Checking your timing adjustment with the timing light is a highly recommended step to confirm that your spark is ACTUALLY happening when/where you THINK it is happening.

Amazon lists a couple of self powered timing lights. Less than $100.

just note worthy a standard timing light with advance control will give you double reading since its for a 4 stroke so just divide by two. Or you can get a craftsman light that has a 2 stroke setting that's what I use .

Rich