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REF: Engine Control01


Aftermarket Ignition Overview

Sub Documents

Why Adjust The Spark Timing?

Quoting XLForum member, RacerWill:1)

One of the things that makes understanding timing difficult is that we're talking about 2 different time frames - crankshaft degrees for spark and real time combustion. We light the fire based on crankshaft degrees and engine load but actual burn time is in real time. To get optimal performance we need to light the fire early enough so it has just the right amount of real time to reach max cylinder pressure just after TDC - so it can expand and smoothly push the piston down, this is called MEP or Mean Effective Pressure.

Typically, you want max pressure to occur about 7 degrees after TDC. Running too much advance starts the burn too early and max pressure happens at or before TDC, causing “ping” (actually knock). Conversely, not enough advance to the spark causes max pressure to happen too late, producing less power and laboring the engine, making it run hot.

The programmable advance maps on the TC88A, and other modern ignition systems, allows timing curves to be altered at any RPM and any load. By trial and error the best map can be found. I didn't know about having all advance in at 3200rpm but that makes sense to me. I run about 32 deg advance but my compression is a little higher than most and compression slows burn time.

Example drawing of advancing the timing on 86-03 Sportsters. 2)

….

Too Much Advance Timing?

Quoting XLForum member, ASWRacing:3)
A Perspective by Aaron Wilson of Hammer Performance. (June 2013)

I've dyno'ed thousands of bikes over a long period of time, and on many many of them I've dialed in the timing during the process. Advanced it until the power dropped off, retarded it until the power dropped off, and then centered it in between those two locations. I've also played with curves a lot.

I'm here to tell you that too much timing most definitely costs power, and on the vast majority of bikes, the optimum timing is well below the threshold of ping. Running more timing than optimum makes your motor run hotter and puts the pistons at risk and the threshold of ping is a terrible place to put the timing on most bikes!

Most of these bikes, when they have reasonable compression and chamber turbulence (i.e. a squish band), will want their ignition timing set for about 28-30 degrees max advance at WOT. Going past that starts hurting power and making the motors run hot.

When you do a performance build, you really should get an aftermarket ignition, because not only can you turn down the timing, you can bring the timing in more slowly. You almost always find power when you do that on a higher compression build! Most of the motors like it so slow that it's not all-in until 4500-5000rpm. On many ignitions, I've found the best power on the softest curve available. For example, the Dyna 2000 curve 4 almost always works the best if the bike under test has 10:1 compression or more. On a Twin Tec TC88A I literally found the best power on my 04 883/1250 on initial 2 / slope 0. That's the softest curve and almost the least amount of timing the module can give.

Getting this notion out of people's heads that more timing = more power has always been a huge challenge in this business. When you're talking about a performance build, the exact opposite is almost always true. We have a vested interest in seeing our customers get this right, because we don't want complaints of scuffed or broken pistons, and that's exactly what will happen if you run the timing too high, sooner or later.

….

Manifold Absolute Pressure -vs- Vacuum Reading

Quoting XLForum member, RacerWill:4)

Just a quick note on MAP(Manifold Absolute Pressure). First, the word “absolute” refers to where zero is placed on the scale. In PSI Absolute, 0 psi is a perfect vacuum and atmospheric pressure is 14.696 psi approx. In PSIg (gauge) atmospheric pressure is zero and a perfect vacuum is -14.696PSIg (equal to 30 inches of mercury, InHg). Kilopascals is the metric version of the absolute measure where a perfect vacuum is zero and atmospheric pressure is 101.325 kPa.

The MAP value represents engine load - a higher number represents higher load (more open throttle compared to RPM).

For example:
Cruising along at 3000rpm on a slight down grade has very low engine load and a lower MAP (kPa) number. If that slight downgrade turns into a steep uphill, you open the throttle to maintain 3000 rpm and the same speed. The MAP (kPa) number starts to climb towards atmospheric pressure 30 InHg (101.3 kPa).

The point is, MAP readings are the direct air pressure readings and the vacuum gauge reading is the inverse, being the vacuum level reading. In MAP values, the standard atmospheric level is 30, while for the vacuum gauge, 0 is the same level. So a MAP value of 20 (out of 30) is the equivalent of a vacuum value of 10, because vacuum is reading from 30 to 0. A Low MAP value indicates high vacuum and a High Map value indicates low vacuum - The exact same condition is referenced with inverse scales.

Here's another good reference to understand that the vacuum gauge value and the Manifold Absolute Pressure value are readings taken from opposite ends of the atmospheric pressure range:
https://www.dekkervacuum.com/resource-library/knowledge-database/technical-data/what-is-vacuum



Typical options for Sportster Ignition Configurations (up to 2003)

1) Stock Older Ironhead Models - OEM
- Points to create spark
- Mechanical Advance to create an advance curve
- Coil is 5.0 ohms to match use with points

2) Stock EVO Configuration (Later model Ironheads & EVO up to 2003)
- Cam Sensor Plate (electronic trigger) - in place of points
- Ignition Control Module - rearward from battery (or other places)
- ICM has electronic curves for advance
- This module uses a VOES to switch between 2 curves - Vacuum Switch
- Coil should be 3.0 ohms

3) Some Only Eliminate Points (older Ironheads)
- Electronic Trigger - Dyna S - DS6-1 model
- Mechanical Advance is still used for advance curve
- Coil can be OEM 5.0 ohm

4) Most Eliminate Points & Mech Advance (and/or stock external ICM)
- Electronic Ignition Module - Ultima 53-644 - In nosecone
- This module includes electronic curves for spark advance
- This module uses a VOES to switch curves - Vacuum Switch
- Coil is 3.0 ohms

The stock ignition modules for 1998-2003 1200S models were abandoned by HD soon after 2003. See the Sub-Document link above regarding an alternative ignition setup.

The 2004-later models all implemented the Crank Position Sensor which eliminated the Cam Sensor Plate.
- 2004-2006 models, which are all carburetored, can upgrade to Daytona Twin Tec TC88A Electronic Control Module

The 2007-later models use Electronic Fuel Injection with a more complex ignition system. - These EFI systems can use an add-on programmable controller or complete upgraded Electronic Control Module

The 2017-later models use a CANbus communication system.


Ignition Modules - Aftermarket

HD Non-Stock Screamin' Eagle Modules

While stock modules from the MoCo are Factory/Dealer programmable for either 883 or 1200 models, the Screamin' Eagle (SE) modules are designed for either 883 -or- 1200 and are not reprogrammable to switch a module from one to the other. However, there are some adjustable SE modules that can be used on either 883 or 1200 models.

Many of these modules are obsolete and may be hard to find.

1988-1997 Models

Module P/N Description
32597-96 Fits ’88-’93 XL883 models. 6800 RPM - K Curve
’90-earlier models require P/N 32408-90 for proper fitment.
32632-96 Fits all '94-'97 XL883 models. 6800 RPM - R Curve
32420-87B Fits ’88-’93 XL1200 models. 8000 RPM - K Curve
’90-earlier models require P/N 32408-90 for proper fitment.
32598-96 Fits all ’94-’97 XL1200 models. 6800 RPM - K Curve
32420-94 Fits all ’94-’97 XL1200 models. 8000 RPM - K Curve
32633-96 Fits all '94-'97 XL1200 models. 6800 RPM - Q Curve
32655-98 Adjustable Ignition Module 4-curves/4-RPMlimits
Fits ’93-earlier XL883 or 1200 models.
’90-earlier models require P/N 32408-90 for proper fitment.
32654-98 Adjustable Ignition Module 4-curves/4-RPMlimits
Fits ’94-’97 XL883 or 1200 models

1998-2003 Models - Nosecone Module (not for 1200S)

Module P/N Description
32979-98A Fits ’98-’03 XL883 models. 6800 RPM Limit.
32971-98A Fits '98-'03 XL883 models. 7500 RPM Limit.
32978-98A Fits ’98-’03 XL1200 models. 6800 RPM Limit.
32969-98A Fits ’98-’03 XL1200 models. 7500 RPM Limit.
32839-00 Selectable Ignition Module 6pos DIP Switch
Fits all '98-'03 XL models (not 1200S) - 6posDipSw
(See similar Dynatek DYNA 2Ki)
32942-02 Adjustable Ignition Module 10-curves/moreRPMlimits
Fits ’98-’03 XL883 or 1200 models (not XL1200S)
(See similar Daytona Twin Tec 1005S-EX)

1998-2003 Models - For 1200S ONLY

Module P/N Description
32977-98 Fits '98-'03 XL1200S models. 6800 RPM Limit.
32967-98 Fits '98-'03 XL1200S models. 7500 RPM Limit.

2004-2006 Models

Module P/N Description
31758-04 Fits ’04-'06 XL883 models. 7000 RPM Limit (-5°over6000)
31759-04 Fits ’04-'06 XL1200 models. 7000 RPM Limit (-5°over6000)


Dyna S

The Dyna S Ignition is essentially an electronic version of the beaker points. It senses a magnet (on the rotating shaft) passing by its sensor & triggers the ignition coil.

The Dyna S Ignition relies on an external, mechanical advance for altering the timing in relation to engine RPM.

Dyna-S DS6-1 - Dual Fire Ignition - Has one coil trigger wire (Blue). It fires a dual-coil to produce two sparks at the same time. Therefore, it fires twice in each complete 4-cycle operation - once for the front cylinder (wasted spark to rear cylinder) and once for the rear cylinder (wasted spark to the front cylinder). Remember, it fires twice in each 4-cycle operation and it fires both spark plugs at the same time.

Dyna-S DS6-2 - Single Fire Ignition - Has two control wires (Black (F) & White (R)). It fires two independent coils to produce separate sparks at separate times (even when you use a combination coil with two built-in independent coils). It fires only once on each wire for each complete 4-cycle operation - once for the front cylinder on the compression stroke and then, using the other control wire, it fires the 2nd coil for the rear cylinder when it is in it's compression stroke.

Each type of Dyna-S Ignition uses a different rotor to be compatible with the control pickup plate (single-fire ROTOR is #32-9300 and dual-fire ROTOR is 32-9301). These parts cannot be mixed between the two types.

And, you can't mix a single-fire control with a dual-fire coil nor the other way. That's why they make two types of control modules and several types of coils.

You can set the Static Timing using a multimeter (or test light) connected between ground & the trigger point on the coil for the front cylinder. Rotate the engine until you are on the compression stroke for the front cylinder. Then open the timing hole and look for the FULL ADVANCE mark on the flywheel, placing it in the center of the timing hole. Turn on the ignition. Hold the center rotor in the FULL ADVANCE position, fully counter-clockwise so the weights are at their stops. Now loosen the mounting screws and rotate the Dyna-S timing plate clockwise & counter-clockwise to find the exact point where the meter shows full voltage (or the light is lit brightest). Lock down the mounting screws. The timing should be set very close to correct. (Using a timing light for Dynamic Timing at 2000 RPMs is more accurate.)

The install instructions are here:

Dyna-S DS6-1 Installation Instructions

Dyna-S DS6-2 Installation Instructions


Ultima - Nosecone Ignition

The Ultima Ignition Unit (53-644) is very similar to the Dynatek 2000i product (although the programmed curves appear to be different). It is a self-contained ignition module meaning the timing sensors are built onto the same timing plate, located in the 'nosecone'. The timing rotor cup passes thru the sensors on the back of the timing plate to trigger the ignition module.

These nosecone units can be installed in pre-2004 model Sportsters, including those which originally had mechanical points, external ECMs with a Cam Sensor Plate and those models (1998-2003) which had an OEM nosecone ignition.

The Ultima unit triggers the coil primary circuit - either as a dual-fire system (one trigger) or a single-fire system (two trigger signals). It also has an output for a tachometer and also has an input for using a VOES to alter the spark timing during idle & cruising.

The install instructions are here: Ultima 53-644 Installation Instructions (2012 version)

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See this thread: http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1747557


Programming the Ultima, Dyna & Dynatek Modules

Daytona Twin Tec TC88A

Image from Rocketmangb of the XLForum The TC88A Ignition Module is usable on the 2004-2006 carburetored models of the Sportsters. It replaces the stock Ignition Module and utilizes the CKP sensor and the MAP sensor to control the ignition timing.

The TC88A has dials on the module for selecting pre-programed ignition timing maps and choosing the level of the RPM Limiter. This is accomplished with two dials for timing maps and two dials for the RPM Limit.

One of the timing dials sets the Initial Timing while the second dial selects the Timing Advance Slope. These settings are explained further in the link below to information about the MAP Files.

One of the RPM Limit dials chooses the x1000 value and the other selects the x100 value. Note: Setting the RPM Limit to 0 will disable the module. (BE CAREFUL not to set the RPM Limit above a safe level for your engine configuration!)

In addition to the pre-programmed timing maps (selectable by the dials), the unit can be user-programmed to utilize customized timing advance maps instead of the pre-programmed maps. To use these customized maps, you must have a computer interface, such as the Daytona USB Interface (18014), and the Daytona PC-Link Software, to communicate with the TC88A module.

The TC88A also captures the following information:

Firmware ID
Total Hours of Operation
Engine Starts
Maximum Engine RPM
Seconds at RPM Limit
Elapsed Time (hours)
in RPM Bands:

Idle
1000-1499 RPM
1500-1999 RPM
2000-2499 RPM
2500-2999 RPM
3000-3499 RPM
3500-3999 RPM
4000-4499 RPM
4500-4999 RPM
5000-5499 RPM
5500-5999 RPM
6000-6499 RPM
6500-6999 RPM


Install & Wiring —> TC88A Wire Connections For Programming
This Sportsterpedia link provides descriptions, pictures & a wiring diagram to help you
to install the TC88A and create a DIY External Power Harness.

Ignition Timing Maps —> Daytona Twin Tec & User Created TC88A Map Files
This Sportsterpedia link starts several pages discussing the use of Ignition Timing MAP Files
with the TC88A (including User Programmable Ignition Maps created by XLForum members).

The TC88A Instructions as listed on the Daytona Twin Tec page:
http://daytona-twintec.com/Content/TC88A/1009_Instructions.doc

XLForum Discussions of the Twin Tec TC88A module
http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=518158 - Foxster - Screamin' Eagle versus TC88A ignition modules for '04-'06 Sportsters
http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1525483 - ESteid - Installing a Twin-Tech TC88A on an 04


Thunder Heart - EA4250D

This section is related to the Electronic Harness Controller available from Thunder Heart Performance Corp. The information gathered here was due to a significant effort by XLForum member, Roane, while trying to implement the EA4250D on his Ironhead Sportster. 6)

The TH EA4250D controller works in conjunction with whatever spark timing system you have, whether points, Ignition Control Module or later Engine Control Module. In any case, the TH unit does not control the spark creation or timing but rather simply controls the power to the coil (and ignition module) in order to allow or prevent the engine from running.

The installation manual can be downloaded at the Thunder Heart website (http://thunder-heart.com/Tech%20Service%20PDFs/EI4250.pdf). It should be consulted carefully in conjunction with the added information below. The manual information is not repeated here.

Here is an overall diagram to detail the connection of various switches, lights, sensors, etc. (click on an image to see a larger version):

7)
Note that the Auxiliary Power Outputs at J1-Pin1 and J5-Pin1 are both keyswitched power.
They are ONLY ON when the Keyswitch is ON.

The following image shows the typical wiring that would be used for the
right-hand HD control - Wire colors are for the TH wire harness:

8)

Note that on most Sportsters, all the way up thru 2013, the wiring configuration is
functionally the same as above (with only some minor wire color variations - or
those noted in the TH Install Manual). The BLUE jumper wire shown in the
diagram between the RUN/STOP Switch and the Starter Button is typically
internal to the RH Switch Housing.

Below is a diagram of the ignition connections, from the handlebar switches to the Starter Motor.
This is intended to explain the operation of the internal Start Relay in relation to the RUN/KILL &
START switches. The shown internal connections are functional representations and do not represent
that these connections are simply jumper-wired as shown. (This configuration was gleaned from the
manual (minimal info) and from continuity testing. It is believed to be accurate, but no guarantee.)

9)


2)
photo by Hippysmack
5)
Pics by Blowby & Static of the XLForum.net
7) , 8) , 9)
Created by IXL2Relax of the XLForum
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