Topic: Cannot time cb550... Will not let me advance far enough

[dergs713]

I am not able to time my cb550 properly. With a timing light I am still not able to advance my plate far enough. What could this be. I've gone thru everything i can think of. New points, new condensers, check springs, check plugs, plug wires, batt. Ect. Even #$%* I didn't think would matter I went thru again... Anything would help. The thing runs fine down the road, but I know is not at it's full power due to mainly the timing being off..

Matt

[iron_worker]

Are you talking about the base timing at idle or the full advance at ~2500RPM?

Some things that I have learned from my 750 and I'm sure most are the same on the 550:

1) Cheap points plate/points. Some of the aftermarket points arms are not constructed with the same geometry as the originals making it very difficult/impossible to time. Also some of the points plates suffer from the same quality control issues...
2) Loose fitting points plate: Even from the factory the points plate isn't a tight fit between the locating "studs" on the engine case. Shifting the plate side to side will affect points gap which in turn affects timing.
3) Worn rubbing block: sounds like you've addressed this with new points ... but what brand?
4) Binding/sticking advance mechanism: have you checked that the advancer is working smoothly and is greased up etc? I have heard of some people having to bend the stops out to allow more advance.

Some other thoughts ... condensers, plugs, plug wires, and battery should have no affect on timing.

IW

[dergs713]

I actually have tried two different point brackets... And then a total of three different point sets and two different advance units. I have a parts motor so I've been swapping.. I'm starting to think maybe the cam chaine is off a tooth on the cam gear. But the bike seems to run ok up to 80+mph. No real coughing or breakup in rev. Matt

[Maurice]

Didn't see it mentioned... Points gap has an effect on timing, try moving within the spec and see what it changes. HTH and good luck

[Deltarider]

Didn't see it mentioned... Points gap has an effect on timing, try moving within the spec and see what it changes. HTH and good luck

In the 70s and 80s mechanics seldom adjusted the timing plates as practically all oftiming could be addressed by adjusting the points gap. Now that you've touched everything it's a must you start with adjusting the breakerpoints gap within spec as suggested above.

[dave500]

the cam timing doesent affect the ignition timing,only the cams timing.

[dergs713]

Gap is .013- .016 at its highest point right?

[fmctm1sw]

Some things that I have learned from my 750 and I'm sure most are the same on the 550:

2) Loose fitting points plate: Even from the factory the points plate isn't a tight fit between the locating "studs" on the engine case. Shifting the plate side to side will affect points gap which in turn affects timing.

IW

That has my vote.  Been there seen it..

[TwoTired]

Have you looked at the ignition FAQ?