Topic: The Patina Bike, Stev-o's '71 CB500

[Stev-o]

You have cleaned the points with a point file or emery board and electronic cleaner?

I did clean with a points file, they are in poor cond.   will install new as soon as I get em.

[MoMo]

You have cleaned the points with a point file or emery board and electronic cleaner?

I did clean with a points file, they are in poor cond.   will install new as soon as I get em.

Probably best to get the entire plate assy(points, condensors, etc

[Stev-o]

You have cleaned the points with a point file or emery board and electronic cleaner?

I did clean with a points file, they are in poor cond.   will install new as soon as I get em.

Probably best to get the entire plate assy(points, condensors, etc

Ordered points and condensers, how could the plate prevent spark? It's not badly rusted.

Thx for your help.

[MoMo]

Mentioned it because the entire assy is not all that expensive if I remember correctly.  Plus, you get all new screws, which usually are buggered all to bits by ham-fisted wannabe wrenches...Larry

[Stev-o]

Mentioned it because the entire assy is not all that expensive if I remember correctly.  Plus, you get all new screws, which usually are buggered all to bits by ham-fisted wannabe wrenches...Larry

Points plate is $60, just points/condensers is half that.  I got no buggered screws but points screws were loose, so PO was in there for some reason?

[MoMo]

Steve, Honda points?  $30 is somewhat significant.   Is the post coming out of the crank straight?

[Stev-o]

Steve, Honda points?  $30 is somewhat significant.   Is the post coming out of the crank straight?

Yes, yes

[MoMo]

Straight post is good, I remember spending way too much time tracking down an erratic idle when all that was wrong was a tweaked post.  Guess I'd go for points and condensors on a glass beaded plate(I have a cheap HF sand blaster)...Larry

[timbo750]

I am no expert on the electrics on these bikes but have sorted plenty of electrical issues on cars, trucks and machinery. If it appears that the voltage is diappearing somewhere then you need to find the leak. I know this sounds simple but in the end the solution will be too.

You may need to look at each wire one at a time disconnect each and do polarity check, I have had wire fatigued along the length and after doing maintenace it breaks but the sheath is ok. Check the resistance in the coils and check for a good contact at every connector, if the wire sheath or plastic near a connector looks slightly deformed (usually from heat) then most likely it needs fixing or replacing.

Steve sorry if I have explained anything that you have already done or already know, I am just explaining how I would approach it.

Project 1 CB750 - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126864

[dave500]

these have an ordinary bolt no special post like 750s,ill bet with new points etc you get spark?

[krusty]

Checked grounding of the coils?

[Stev-o]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.  I'll be checking all connections and installing the new points/condensers. 

If that fails, I'm going to take Dave's suggestion and convert it to Steam!

[dave500]

you aint punk enough stev-o!

[MoMo]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys.  I'll be checking all connections and installing the new points/condensers. 

If that fails, I'm going to take Dave's suggestion and convert it to Steam!

good idea, why not go all the way to steampunk?  Maybe you could create a new genre called StevePunk.

[Stev-o]

you aint punk enough stev-o!

I will convert myself to StevoPunk! Here is Phase 1......

[MoMo]

Good start, when do all the tats come?

[calj737]

Stev-o, where did you find a picture of me? Dang internet privacy invasion... Gotta stop posting myself on Instagram-

[Stev-o]

Bad news - I got shocked! Good news - I got spark!!

New points and condensers were in the mailbox when I got home, and couldn't wait to slap em in.
Was planning on taking the Z1 for a ride after work but blew if off, maybe tomorrow. 

So, replaced the points and condensers, mounted the carbs, installed new plugs and caps but WTF?
Plug wire #2 is too short, won't reach.  I did clip about a quarter inch but it's at least a half inch short. Fark!  Keep moving. Flushed the tank.  Install new screen and o ring in the petcock.  Put some fresh fuel in it, WTF, it's leaking.  Fark! At this point, I'm a little bummed but want to do start up regardless. Installed tank and hook up the fuel lines, still leaking.  Cranked that sucker.  Cranking....cranking... crank again and finally a little fire!! She lives....just barely. 

I've got some issues to resolve but today was a big step towards getting er back on the road.

[timbo750]

That first fire is always a relief even when you know there is still work to be done.

Project 1 CB750 - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126864

[MoMo]

Good news Stev-o, so it runs on 3 cylinders?. You must have a spare set of coils in the batcave I presume...Larry

[goldarrow]

Fark! I hate when that happens.  You're on a roll but things just keep going wrong one right after another.   But it runs at the end.  Awesomeness. 

[Stev-o]

Good news Stev-o, so it runs on 3 cylinders?. You must have a spare set of coils in the batcave I presume...Larry

Oh yeah, it's already on the workbench and tested good.  Hoping I have a petcock too.

That first fire is always a relief even when you know there is still work to be done.

So true, Timbo. 

[timbo750]

Try swapping the leads arounf maybe one is slightly yoo long

Project 1 CB750 - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126864

[Stev-o]

Try swapping the leads arounf maybe one is slightly yoo long

Ahhhh.......don't think that will work.  #3 is just long enough.  PO must have trimmed them a few times over the years. 

[dave500]

stick your tongue on the short ones and crank it?only trying to help?