Fooled by GS1100G timing probkem

[Jpp426]

A couple of years ago, I installed a Dyna S ignition system. It needed a mechanical advance, so I used one out of an 850.

I ran it with the timing way advanced. You know, when the starter groans to spin it over. Last year, this killed the starter clutch. I installed a new one with metric grade 10 bolts and retarded the timing.

I was still getting the "starter groan". I checked the battery and the charging system, which were ok.

Last week, I started to get only clicking when the starter button was pressed. It would spin and start eventually after it sat on a 200 amp charger for a minute or two.

Drove me nuts.

Again, last week it did the same thing. BUT, it was in the garage. I noticed the headlamp did not dim at all when I got the dreaded clicking.

The light finally came on in my head. No draw from the battery. The problem was a bad starter relay AND a bad starter motor.

I put a cheap relay in and a "Rick's " new starter. It now spins like crazy for about a half second before it fires.

All is well now. I let a bogus timing issue get in the way of finding the real problem.

[Nessism]

Nice story. I was all set to tell you that the timing won't affect the cranking but then read your last line.