ignition timing

[LarryA_Texas]

A 1982 GS1100GK needs a timing adjustment. I'm embarrassed to say I can't figure it out.

I've worked with two different types of signal generators on the large GS models. One, with mechanical advance has a SG mounted on a plate that can be rotated slightly when the three screws are loosened. This type has the 19mm nut and a 12 mm nut which holds the advance assembly.

But my '82 GS1100GK has electronic advance. There is no 12 mm nut. There is a smaller allen nut inside the 19 mm if that makes sense. I know pictures will help and I'll get some soon if necessary. So, with this electronic advance the plate with the magnets on it is still held in place with three screws but there are no slots, only holes, so this plate can't be rotated.

My Clymer manual only has pictures of the earlier version (mechanical advance) and says for the '82 with electronic advance (listed in the appendix) that the procedure is the same...but I can't see how to rotate the plate with the magnets on it. So I can't see how to adjust the timing.

I tired to remove the whole assembly to see how it works in there but I can't turn the allen head...it's stuck. I even broke an allen wrench trying. I've sprayed it with PB Blaster and will go after it again. But I am not sure I need to even remove that to adjust the timing.

And, yes, the timing is way off. By about 7 degrees with a timing light. This bike suffers from pre-ignition badly and I'm hoping this is the cause.

So...any advice on setting the timing on a 1982 GS1100GK?

 

[blowerbike]

you need a new igniter then.
the igniter controls all the advance.

the timing lug is just that.
there is nothing behind it but the crank seal.

 

[LarryA_Texas]

not the advance

not the advance

Seriously? The only way to adjust the timing is by replacing the igniter box?

It advances fine. But the timing light says it's sparking early even at low RPM.

This bike has had a problem with pre-ignition (Pinging) ever since I got it running. It only happens at full throttle and is worse at low RPM.

I've tried high-octane gas, turned the mixture screws and raised the needles for a richer mixture. Cooler plugs helped a little but not much.

The problem is worse on hot days.

Now I want to adjust the timing. The signal generator is on a plate that only fits in one spot; no rotation. Is there no other way to change the timing than to replace the igniter?

 

[LarryA_Texas]

update

update

10 1100 timing">OK...A picture and an update; The timing lug doesn't appear to be adjustable, as expected. I am probably wrong about the timing being off. I noticed by the letter "F" there is a small line and that's probably where it should be firing. If that's correct then the timing light flashes on 1 and 4 at the position indicated in the picture. Then it rotates down when RPM is advanced.

I also swapped with another igniter box and it's exactly the same.

And if I wanted to adjust the timing, can it be done? The plate is set and cannot be rotated. There is only a small adjustment in the magnets. These are links to more pictures.

This still doesn't solve my pinging issue.