Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Timing marks 1955 Bigtwin › Re: Timing marks 1955 Bigtwin
Agreed, a magneto outboard ignition system is totally different than an automotive distributor type ignition system. The battery supplies the primary voltage to the coil, as Tubs pointed out.
On your 55 Big Twin, you should check the mag plate (sometimes called armature plate) for wear on the pivot bushing. Wear on the bushing will cause the plate [where the points/coils are mounted] to wobble around at idle speed,(and while starting) thus making the point gap go all over the place. It will make the point gap impossible to stay in adjustment. The other variable is if you are using aftermarket points !
The pivoting point where the arm moves to open and close the points is so loose and sloppy, you will never get them to stay in adjustment. I tried a set of Sierra points a while back, and encountered the same problem yet again, terrible quality. Get the tune up kit for your motor at the Evinrude dealer, that also comes with new condensers, and your good to go. Using the timing tool (along with an analog ohm meter) to set the points is best, but you can get the job done with a .020 feeler gauge if done carefully.