Ignition Timing BSA A10 650cc with Lucas K2F Magneto & Auto Advance TDC Triumph Matchless etc

Very Amateur mechanic don't get me wrong but this ignition timing process works just fine for me. Same method can be used with most old British bikes with a mag but its highly possible a different BTDC measurement will be required.
This bike was initially built by my Grandad at the age of 84 and was previously owned by my other Grandad, it also had a sidecar. Since taking ownership ive put the sidecar in storage, changed the seat, bars, tyres, front wheel and have rewired the whole bike using a solid state modern regulator etc.

[@SLED649]

Dude! That was a great demonstration of setting mag timing! You just clarified one of the great mysteries!👍

[@Hem101]

Fabulous 😊

[@edskipper1]

Brilliant video, I am rebuilding a 1960 Golden Flash’ this will come in very useful for me. Many thanks.

[@Hem101]

Thanks mate, keep up the good work!

[@annmcevoy6190]

Brillant its over 50 years since I last completed a rebuild & this video presented in no nonesense simple easy steps has given me the confidence to set the ATD first time instead of re-learning by trial & error . Of added benefit passing on information about low cost equipment (which I purchased) to set TDC and points breaker. I wish all videos were presented in this manner. Wishing you all the best for future biking. Regards Tom Mc👏😀

[@Hem101]

Thanks Tom! So glad it was helpful. Hoping to do some more similar videos soon especially as I’ve just moved house and have a double length garage now 😊 Steve

[@jefftyrell8795]

Excellent video, that's my next job, i'm feeling a bit more confident about tackling it now!

[@shingerz]

fantastic video well explained mate lovely bike too nice colour it's first video I've seen on here that makes any sense great stuff 👍

[@stephencarver5346]

Brilliant! - Thank you. Everything you need to know here, no smug engineering jargon, and a friendly delivery. Nice one!

[@Hem101]

Thanks mate, uncomfortable talking in front of a camera and maximum cringe factor watching it back 😂

[@Mieskas]

Perfect and clear instruction video, just what I needed to get my A10 Super Rocket running again after magneto restoration. Thank you very much!!

[@Hem101]

Great thanks 😊 When i need to do it again i think i will need to watch the video myself as i’ve forgotten haha

[@BrianBean-jk6tg]

A good demonstration . I used an old detachable spark plug that was about in my days , taking the electrode out and replacing with a bar or rod to find the TDC etc on many an engine .

[@Hem101]

Can’t mess with that technique!

[@highdownmartin]

Thanks for bothering! Just got a 500 pu triumph. No experience with twin mags so very helpful

[@Hem101]

No worries mate, glad it will help. Love a Triumph Pre Unit

[@michaelhancock9730]

Easy to follow video, I set My 1955 iron head Golden Flash A10 to 5/16 btc and while it ran OK it was not very responsive. Pulled the engine cover off and reset it to somwher between 11/32 and 3/8 btc and it runs a lot better with no pinging on 91 unleaded. One has to question the logic behind the design as it is not very user friendly to change the timing.

[@jasonminton9681]

My 1952 plunger flash gets set at 11/32” BTDC. Please note that it’s important to set the points gap before doing this (12 -15 thou on the highest point of the cam ring), and check them again after. Nice delivery mate, and a very nice bike. Sounded great on start up, jobs a good un.

[@Hem101]

Thanks mate I’ll remember that. P.S the chicken got eaten by a fox afew days after his appearance at the beginning of the vid. rip.

[@jfarinacci0329]

Really good video. Thank you.

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

Very good job of that and you came across really well Lovely bike 😊

[@Hem101]

Thanks mate, feel like a plum on camera haha

[@-old-school-motorcyclesltd]

@@Hem101 It was good not easy trying to come across well I know on my site 👍👍

[@richardwilt8586]

Thanks for this video.

[@chrislaunders8283]

Here's a good tip, when setting the points remove the earth brush holder and brush (by the flange) the thread is 5/16" BSF so get a suitable bolt, round and polish the bolt end, then when you get the points in the right position screw the bolt in with your FINGERS until it nips the armature, this will hold the armature while you fit the ADV/RET. DO NOT use it to hold the mag while tightening the ADV/RET nut. Make sure you remove the bolt and refit the earth brush and holder before starting the bike.

[@Hem101]

Thanks Chris that sounds very handy 👍

[@peterthompson7853]

really great video thank you

[@Hem101]

Thanks, really pleased it’s useful

[@peterwoods6587]

Thanks a great help

[@1mikechung]

Hi, I have just finished my BSA A7 plunger 1950. I fitted a Thorspark electronic system. Fits inside the magneto and uses modern ignition coil, sparks at very low speed. I would recommend it. Every part of the BSA has been renovated

[@Hem101]

Sounds good. I’ve used Joe Hunt mags on Triumphs in the past although they tended to slip sometimes. I’m a sucker for original mechanics though and like the thought of the mag working even if the electrics die. Like to see your plunger!

[@mvd944l]

Good stuff, you have the same drooping workbench as I do 🤣

[@Hem101]

Real nuisance haha, time an old bsa but can’t tighten up the hydraulic pipes

[@mvd944l]

@@Hem101 Mines has got a leak from the ram, it's only been like that for 12 years, it's on the to do list when I get all the bikes fixed! Nice video!

[@Richard-pe4cx]

thanks for posting this video i have a super rocket engine with manual advance and retard it is so important to get the timing spot on especially with the modern fuels we have to use

[@Hem101]

Your welcome, love playing around with these engines

[@AndyFulton-dh9zb]

Reading my BSA instruction manual it says time on right hand cylinder and gives 5/16" BTDC for A7, 3/8" for A7 Shooting Star and 13/32" For A10 Gold Flash and Super Rocket.

[@justicegusting2476]

The reason Brits drink warm beer? Lucas refrigeration.

[@markleaning107]

Hello and thanks for the upload very informative. I'm just going to start work on one if theses beast. I'm wondering does the points open on a cam on the opposite side. As I'm trying to adjust them but there doesn't seem to be a adjustment point?

[@Hem101]

Hello mate, The points are adjusted by the bolt directly in the centre of the points. The points are on a taper joint. Hope that helps

[@markleaning107]

@@Hem101 thank you sorted

[@kitersteve]

Hi, what model Lucas points are they as I need the same for my 1930 Scott which has a Fellows Dyno but seemingly some Lucas, possibly K2F, internals. It has those points which are toast in mine but i cannot seem to find them? Great Video, really simple explanation.

[@Hem101]

I’m really not sure, i have never changed them so wouldn’t know what to search. Ace Classics in West London would know. Embarrassing when i watch it back but i’m glad it helps. Steve

[@charlesedwardberry5343]

Great vid....where did you get your circuit tester from...ive looked on ebay , but i must be putting in wrong search name......can you remember the exact name its called....cheers,,ok if you cant remember....

[@Hem101]

Thanks glad it was useful. search “Magneto Timing Tool” on ebay

[@highdownmartin]

Bet you haven’t fixed that subsiding bench yet? A nice big lump of wood in the right place that it can sink onto will solve your problem.

[@melbinthomas1659]

It shouldn't be 1/2" BTDC for 500+cc, 5/16" is for 350cc right?correct me if im wrong!!!!

[@Hem101]

5/16” for my 650s works fine. My Grandad used 5/16 his whole life without issue

[@melbinthomas1659]

@@Hem101 oh tats great bro!!! Did he used 5/16th of " for 500cc+ singles as well? Cheers

[@Hem101]

@@melbinthomas1659 not sure about that but I’ve used 5/16” on afew 500cc Triumph twins