ignition timing. R850R.

[Colin]

Having fitted new hall sensors I need to set the ignition timing. can I do it with a induction type timing light (strobe) that clips on the outside of the HT lead. mine ticks over at approx 1100 revs, so should it be set to TDC (OT)
or advanced. 2003 R850R.

 

[Trullion]

Dunno, but I've just replaced the HES as a precaution on my 1100RS. I just marked the position of the old one and fitted the replacement in the same position. It runs just fine, with neither any pinking, nor sluggishness. From what I gather the engine will run at either extreme of the adjustment. Turn anti-clockwise to advance and clockwise to retard. Simples. It is supposed to be set at tdc (OT on the flywheel) and I gather there there is a method of establishing whether or not it is set correctly by listening to the pump as the crankshaft passes the mark, but I can't find the link. Sorry.

If you are not happy doing it like I did no doubt someone more knowledgeable will be along soon to explain how you're supposed to do it without the factory tool.

 

[Colin]

timing

I did find those instructions written by" Poolside" on the advrider.com
Hall of wisdom. I've done the same as you. marked where the old plate was and fitted new in the same place. mine runs ok. doesn't pink but if it was retarded too much it could over heat and blow a piston or head gasket.
being a HGV mechanic I like to set things up properly when there is a setting for them. I always keep my valves adjusted properly and throttle bodies balanced, helps for a smooth ride and good mpg.

 

[Trullion]

Fair enough; I have said what I have done and it is a matter for you to decide. As I understand it the factory setting is an average designed to allow the use of fuels of different grades and that it is possible to extract more performance by advancing the ignition slightly if using premium grade fuel. Also, the fuel available in 1996 (when my RS was made) is different to that we can buy now as it didn't contain ethanol and, as my RS doesn't have a cat, I could run it on leaded fuel (if I could get it). I am therefore quite relaxed about adjusting the timing empirically. I can determine engine temperature from the RID and anyway I doubt that, if care is taken in aligning the plate to the marks made, the timing is likely to differ by much more than 1 degree. I am therefore happy to take the risk. As they say, yer pays yer money and takes yer choice.

 

[Colin]

timing

the other thing the hall sensors do is tell the ECU when to inject fuel.

 

[Trullion]

I know.

 

[Colin]

timing

Thanks for your help Trullion, much appreciated mate.
I think I might set it the same as the old hall sensor plate. then connect the timing light to see what reading I get. I've got plenty of time on my hands at the moment, had a back operation 3 weeks ago so won't be riding any bikes this side of xmas. and my BMW is up on my bike lift. so I don't have to bend over.

 

[wust588]

Having fitted new hall sensors I need to set the ignition timing. can I do it with a induction type timing light (strobe) that clips on the outside of the HT lead. mine ticks over at approx 1100 revs, so should it be set to TDC (OT)
or advanced. 2003 R850R.

Try looking on the Ebbo.org site for info.
I used the test set up device when I had trouble with my R1100RS.
ATB.

 

[Colin]

timing with voltmeter

that seems simple enough, put the voltmeter on the orange wire.

 

[MattW]

the other thing the hall sensors do is tell the ECU when to inject fuel.

Fuel injection timing isn't 'timing sensitive' - it's not like a diesel.

It couldn't be - the motronic on 11xx's has no idea whether a cylinder is on the exhaust or compression stroke and injects half the charge against a closed intake valve on the compression stroke. This hangs around in the inlet tract and is joined by the other half on the induction stroke (known as 'batch injection')