First to do this right...takes a good deal of time (no pun intended).

Take out both spark plugs, then set point gap. Then you have to check the point gap on both the small and big lobe. If they are different (more than .001) you have to tap the little center bolt with a light tap from a small hammer and a punch and true it till both timing cam lobs give you the same reading. (I have done this hundred times or more and timing these bikes...is a real art). Now get front timing mark in hole, (front intake valve just closes and rotate engine about half a turn).

Another note, Harley changed the timing marks in the 80's so check like this. Put a small screwdriver in front spark plug hole. After front intake...just closes, slowly rotate engine in normal direction. (I find it's easier to put blocks under frame and rotate engine at back wheel...while in 3 or 4th gear) You will feel the piston touch the screw driver (keep the screw driver straight or it will get caught between piston and head) When the piston is no longer rising...look in timing hole and there will be a mark, this will be TDC (top dead center) rotate the engine (counter clockwise) a little at a time and the next mark, will be the front advance mark. This is the mark you time the bike to. Put this mark in center of hole (mark in rear of hole gives a bit more power, bike is harder to start)

(Want some fun...have a buddy...look in timing hole, for timing mark...then give the rear wheel a good spin...then run like hell...he'll be right behind you with a face full of oil...trying to catch you ass!)

Go around to the points, take a curved needle nose pliers and rotate the point cam (it helps to remove the condenser), until it will not turn anymore and at that place, your points should just start to open and fire the spark plug. You need to have a ohm meter, test light or beep box connected to the points...to tell when they just open. In a pinch I use a strand of hair and place it between the points. Pull lightly on the hair and just as the points start to open you will feel the hair come loose. If the points open too soon or not at all, then you have to loosen the whole plate and adjust. But here is the kicker...the plate is a loose fit in the cam cover...when you loosen it...most times...it changes your point gap. So then you have to go back and reset you point gap...check it on both small and big lob, then rotate motor, get front advance mark in timing hole... go back and advance point cam with pliers. The points should open on just the last bit while you are turning the point cam. After several tries, you should get the points to fire...just right and have the point gap correct on both the small (front cylinder) and the large (rear cylinder) lobes.

This is NOT a easy thing to explain, but I hope you get the idea.

Also I should mention...that before you do all this... that the advance weight and springs should be disassembled and lubed. If they have a lot of miles...new springs and weights.

Stephen Nelson