How to SET THE POINTS ON YOUR VINTAGE HARLEY

IF YOU,VE EVER BEEN STUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE POINTS ON YOUR VINTAGE SPORTSTER OR SHOVELHEAD BIGTWIN CLOSED DUE TO VIBRATION, YOU,LL WANT TO KNOW THESE PROCEDURES. EVEN IF YOU DON,T HAVE A SET OF FEELER GAUGES, YOU CAN STILL BE UP AND RUNNING IN NO TIME.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• FIRST, YOU,LL NEED THE APPROPRIATE TOOL TO REMOVE YOUR POINTS COVER(EVEERY BIKER CARRIES A KNIFE), NEXT YOU,LL NEED A SET OF FEELER GAUGES(BLADE TYPE) WITH THE RANGE OF .0018 IN. NOW, IF YOU DON,T HAV

1. first uncover your points by removing the points cover by removing the two 10/32 screws. the cover should fall off in your hand (be sure to protect the water proof gasket or o-ring that protects your points from rain and moisture)
2. step two: if you have the tool to remove your spark plugs in your tool bag, remove them as this makes it easier to turn the engine over to the correct point on the points cam (the egg shaped part that actually opens your points)
3. step three: if you have a kick start pedal, using your hand to roll the engine through, place the highest point of the points cam in the center of the points shoe, (THE SMALL DARK FIBER PIECE UNDER THE LOWER POINTS ARM THAT RIDES ON THE POINTS CAM). if you rely on electric start, then using the start button bump the engine through. (this method may require several attempts to get the points correctly aligned)
4. step four: place the feeler gauge set at .0018in between the two slightly or all the way closed points, loosen the points mounting plate screw and the pivot screw and open the points until the gauge(or whatever you are using) feels a slight drag on it. tighten the screws tight! making sure they are as tight as you can get them without wrecking them.
5. now, place one or both of the removed spark plugs in their respective plug wires and turn on the ignition switch. turn the engine over either by kickstart or electric start and observe if the plugs are firing indicating the near correct gap.
6. turn off the ignition, replace the spark plugs in their respective holes making sure they are hand tight(don,t break them off), replace the timing cover with screws making sure the cover gasket is there. turn on the ignition and attempt to start the engine, it should start, let it warm up, continue on your ride. remeber, rubber side down, ride safe.