Timing a trip mag

Hi all, I have been having issues with my norman t300 this week getting it to run, and eventually traced it to timing out and dirty fuel in the fuel can, I was timing it to the correct mark on the flywheel and had it triping bang on that mark, but the timing was way out, so my question is, when does the points spark with a trip ? before or after the trip, I'm sure others would have experienced the same problem, I have taken the tripping pin off the wico mag now and timed it the normal way with points just opening and its fine, but would really like to keep the trip, any thoughts chaps ? Thanks Jon

I may well be wrong on this so best not to take it as gospel...

Timing should be on the points as you say you have it now - I think the 'trip' (impulse?) retards the spark for easier starting. If it was starting timed on that but then stopping it would be the timing being really advanced.

If it's starting without, you've either got a really good engine or a really good arm

My timing procedure is probably not the correct way to do it, but generally I turn the engine until the mag clicks, then turn it gently backwards to find the correct timing when the points open...

Paul

Thanks Paul , yes that sounds feasible mate, The norman manual I have states where the timing should be but not how to set the impulse, but I can see what you are saying, Cheers for that, I,ll give it a try. Jon

Some engines you set the impulse to flick at TDC and the normal running timing takes care of itself (what I'd do if I had no other details) but if you have timing marks they're usually for the normal timing, then the impulse does it's thing automatically.

Hope it helps a bit,

Paul

Set your engine to TDC , then reverse the engine by 90 degrees. Turn your mag in its working direction until it stops on the impulse and it should fit the coupling with a little jiggling.



EDIT.....Ignore this...I just realised you have a twin cylinder engine.