Topic: Timing questions

[Dirty Steve]

I've got a CB750K5 with points ignition and I was wondering if you all could clarify/confirm a couple of things for me.
1. Is the duration of the spark the same regardless of how long the points are open?

2. A wider point gap means the points stay open longer. Conversely, a smaller point gap means the points stay open for a shorter period of time.

Thanks...

[madmtnmotors]

1. Yes
2. Yes

The intensity of the spark can be affected by dwell, which is the amount of time the points remain closed, measured in degrees. When the points are closed the coil is charging. When the points open the field in the coil collapses and releases its charge. Too short of a dwell angle could possibly weaken the spark intensity (less charge time on the coils).

[Dirty Steve]

Ahh! Thank you!
Got another one: I was using a continuity tester that emits a tone when there's continuity.
Putting one probe to ground and the other to where the blue/yellow wire connects to the points (with ignition off), I get a tone when the points are closed, showing there is continuity, but I also get a lesser tone when the points are open. The lesser tone continues to emit even if I pry the points wide open with my finger.
Is this just a quirk of my tester? Or could it be indicating the points assemblies are not adequately insulated?

[Spanner 1]

The 'buzzer' tone on your meter is actually a diode tester. I may be normal for a low tone to emit with the points open and the coil  primaries still connected. Best thing to do is to disconnect the Blue and Yellow wires at the connector above the rear brake light switch ( remove the RH side cover )....I like the buzzer too as you can look at the points opening and not have to look at the meter to see when the points are opening.....