Doc Harley: What is a Timing Hole?

[@patrickzambori473]

Clear acrylic timing hole plugs are the way to see the mark with the engine running, and no mess.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I agree. I had them on the lift. Just forgot to talk about them….Doc

[@WestcoastHooligan]

I got to much oil coming out i cant see anything and the clear plug i cant see anything with the either ​@LowCountryHarleyDavidson

[@Big88Country]

Thanks Doc, good to see ya Sir!

[@fearsomename4517]

I miss the good old days. I remember when that '77 was brand new. Great info Doc!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

We love a walk down memory lane👍….Doc

[@mikebouchard527]

So glad your back

[@dtork47]

Miss my old XLCH! Thanks Doc for the jaunt down memory lane! Stay safe.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You are always welcome to join me on that memory road…..Doc

[@donwaltman4276]

Hey Doc, another great tech tip. Thanks

[@Train2Liv]

Doc Harley, a wealth of knowledge! Thanks for sharing!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you…..Doc

[@bobuhlman9965]

Always something to learn in these videos, Doc. Thank you!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Glad you like them Bob….Doc

[@stephendrake8145]

Wow, that is certainly wonderfully maintained XLCR, one of Willie G's early masterpieces...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Agree!……Doc

[@schachat01]

Hi Doc-thanks for another great tech tip👏

[@arthurcaldwell5236]

Love Doc Harley,just the best.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you…..Doc

[@davidv.780]

Fantastic motorcycle and it's got a great mechanic working on it , thanks Doc.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thank you David…..Doc

[@steveross2797]

Great vid Doc! The young folks today have no idea what breaker point-type ignition is.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

😆…..Doc

[@martincvitkovich724]

and how simple it was

[@stevesaia8317]

Doc. Harley when setting the timing on the old school HD’s if you have the clear plug that you screw into the timing hole it stops the oil from spraying out and you can see the timing mark when checking the timing

[@zeke7142003]

Been there and done that! My '89 Sportster had the timing hole in the same spot as that bike. I was stationed in the Philippines and my ignition module crapped out. It would have been weeks or months for parts so I threw some points in it and was good to go. I believe they were Chevy Blue Streak points. They used to make a clear plastic plug for the timing hole for use during timing so we ditched the goggles and face shield. Also, static is one man job and dynamic is two man job.

[@bobmaslan2401]

Doc, I really enjoyed this video. I had a 1974 XLCH (brake on left, shifter on right). I still have the clear plastic plug that went into the timing hole and avoided the oil from splashing out of the hole onto the timing light. I also have a set of points and a condenser. Thank you for bringing back old memories for me.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Always willing to walk down memory lane with a Harley-Davidson rider….Doc

[@edbertini9766]

Love all your knowledge Doc. I really do.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I appreciate your support…..Doc

[@okiemale1589]

😎👍 Big thumbs up for the channel...

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Big thanks….Doc

[@svdoinitright7519]

We used to use clear timing hole plugs to keep the oil on the inside. The big problem with them was, if they were short, the inside would get covered with oil and you couldn't see through them. The longer ones worked great, you could have it just touching the flywheel, which would keep most of the oil vapor off of them, but would wing up sanding the surface. Most of us didn't know about polishing acrylic, so they would go into the trash and you would buy another one next time.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Done that, got the T shirt…..Doc

[@stephendrake8145]

That's a nice trick, replacing the stock points with a magnetic Dyna. I almost bought one of the XLCR's back in 1977, the dealers were practically giving them away at one point, they're worth a pretty penny now tho...

[@mpista7182]

I really like your vids Doc I always learn something whether I want to or not ! LOL

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

We appreciate you watching….Doc

[@briano3128]

Great lesson! I used to have a clear plastic plug to put in the timing hole for my shovel head , But I don’t remember using it much, just looked in like you did!😅

[@doylehenderson319]

I've always wonder how to time a bike that had points, I knew about a car but never a bike. Thanks Doc!!!! BTW I hope you and the family have a great Thanksgiving next week, Be safe and Blessed!!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I’m always Thankful for your support….Doc

[@bee2333]

I have a 90 883. So are you saying true tdc isnt until 40degrees after the timing mark?

[@atcjoe1600]

Hey Doc, I request a walk around and or starting video when you are finished with that cafe racer. Thank you.

[@ThomasLee-ss4bv]

Hey doc. We use a clear tape that's Really thick. I've used the clear plugs but have sometimes had an issue seeing the mark. I forget who makes the tape , but it's quick, no mess and you can see very well. Take it easy.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Love your suggestion. If you find the manufacturer, send it to my Email….Doc

[@ThomasLee-ss4bv]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson I'll be back in the shop on Monday. I'll get the name of the manufacturer and hit you back.

[@AmericanPatriot1]

Ok that solves that allen plug, now what about the allen plug on newer Harleys next to the oil drain plug? Thanks

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

On Twin Cams an optional Oil Temp sensor screw in. On M8 🤷‍♂️…..Doc

[@shameless6963]

That's a pretty rare old sporty. Great video doc

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks and I agree…..Doc

[@scapegoatxx71]

Hey Doc, I put some Khrome werks slipons on my 05 Electra Glide Classic. Now I only got hot air coming out of the right side pipe and cold air out of the left pipe. The left pipe is cold to the touch also below the Y but hot on the right side. So what's up with that?

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

I am not an engineer. This would receive a better explanation from Kevin Baxter. My thoughts, the “Y” pipe was very inefficient but needed for the sound and volume of exhaust from both cylinders to get out. The front is joined to the rear on the right side. So more exhaust and heat here then just one cylinder. Ask any Twin Cam and M8 owner, they will tell you,”too much heat where they both join together at the CAT. Also the passing air on the left only has to cool one small pipe and muffler. The right side is pre warmed from the front before adding to the rear pipe. Just my thoughts…..Doc

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

Yes. You're too young to remember the clear Lucite plug we used to use on Shovelheads to use a timing light without creating a big mess. I had the Lucite plug but I learned to static time my Shovel well enough I didn't need the Lucite plug and timing light. My stock 74 inch with points ran well enough that I beat 80 inch bikes with electronic ignition. Of course it helped that I was chopped with a rigid Chro-Moly frame.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Believe it or not, had a handful of semi-clear plugs on the lift… just forgot….Doc

[@larryfromwisconsin9970]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson You do great presentations. You're allowed to forget some of your lines.

[@omarrueben]

Aw the days of timing lights, dwell meters and match book covers. Still have my clear plug, meters and lights.

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

That is awesome, Me too…..Doc

[@steventwiddy3402]

Hey Doc couldn’t you just have the FNG hold the spark plug and listen for his reaction for when the plug fires ? Lmao

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

😆🙄🤦‍♂️…….Doc

[@joshdorman1237]

Thank you!!!!

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

You're welcome….Doc

[@scottlin777]

wish more dealers would work on older bikes.

[@dennisharrison4744]

Iv done timing light back on old hondas cb and yamahas and kawasakis and suzukis few HD

[@jondoe8816]

Over here we didn’t get many xlhcr s but I would love one lol

[@theeastman9136]

After timing, you would gave a facefull of motor oil; for neatness, you could use your comb to lay it back and the greasers were born. 😎

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

If I had hair I would use your Tech Tip…Doc

[@exupakias]

Thank you Doc(tor)

[@kennethanderson1685]

❤❤❤❤

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Thanks for the love Ken…..Doc

[@kennethanderson1685]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson you're welcome

[@jeffshultz3883]

Why do the newer ones have a timing cover? There's nothing there at all. It's just another way to sell ya a custom chrome timing cover from the parts and accessories catalog.😮

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Your probably right. I want to believe “They” want to pay homage to the early year cam covers…..Doc

[@fernandocamilli4232]

Remember the plastic screw in windows you can buy

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

????……Doc

[@fernandocamilli4232]

@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson screw in plastic plug to view

[@gvs1173]

I think I must be getting old in that I am under the impression timing is a critical thing to combustion power and thought it a superfluous explanation since it should be covered as one of the first things when talking engines. Guess the dumbing down of America is prevalent

[@LowCountryHarleyDavidson]

Why so harsh? Your high level of understanding engine functions is not shared by all……Doc

[@gvs1173]

Humble apologies, here again I'm showing my age in that I'm of the school of: "If you can't fix it you shouldn't be riding it". Apologies again, Happy Thanksgiving@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson