1999 Sportster LX -- Set ignitiion timing with shunt

[68lemans462]

Hey guys. I just picked up a '99 sportster with a cracked engine block. I ended up putting another long block in it which runs great. I just set the timing by ear. With the timing hooked up to #1 the marks are pretty far off (not anywhere near 10 degrees). With the timing shunt plugged in and wire connected to a 12v source (hot wire from carb choke), I notice no difference in timing. The shunt does not appear to be doing ANYTHING and no matter what I do I cannot get the timing reading to change at all when using the shunt. Where do I go from here? Thanks

Edited September 9, 2022 by 68lemans462

[drh]

Try another source for 12v. I used the positive terminal on the starter. When you connect 12v you should immediately hear engine RPM drop as it goes into base timing mode. Then you can make adjustments - if you try to adjust without it in base timing mode the changes wont take.

[68lemans462]

Like I said -- there is no change when I connect the wire to a verified 12 volt source. have tried multiple sources for power all verified on a multimeter.

[68lemans462]

Do the modules ever go bad in these distributors? Wondering if a new module would help ?

[csleaver]

The ignition modules can fail and excessive heat is the most common cause.  Original modules had a heat sensitive white paint dot that would turn yellow when it was subjected to too much heat.