This is a question for those of you who have these installed. I just finished putting in the new timing key and now my EX will not start, any ideas why. Does the notch in the key face the back of the motor when looking at the engine from the leftside? Also would overtightening the flywheel have anything to do with it? Is it just not compatible with my mods...440, cam, FCR, WB CDI. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

The Sparks key is somewhat of a problem. The reason it won't start is it might be sheared. They have some problems shearing. I had mine in for a while and I sheared 2 of them. I didn't even notice any difference in power anyways. You have to have a impact gun to tighten it or it will shear. I would not recommend this mod to anybody. I was told by an engine builder, if you use the key you will have head bolt problems. I also believe that sparks only recommends them for stock motors, I think?

 

I dont think they are worth the time and trouble to put in.

"Do not use with 440 kit" Quoted from Curtis Sparks.......

 

I was jsut recently at their site and was noticing that they put that in every single one of thier kits and also sell it as a separate mod for stock motors. I dont know why Curtis spraks would make anything that would not benefit your engine. I am sure that they would be happy to answer your question either over the phone or on their website. ANd I am not sure where that guy found that quote " dont use with a 440" because they include ti in their 440 kit and their 465 kit? But you never know. I would recomend going to their site and emailing them your problem.

 

I just got my 440 National back from Sparks, and it does not have the advance key. They have stopped using them on big bores cause the machines run too hot. Of course this does not apply if you are running alcohol.

Adam Smith

99 400EX