Topic: Spark between gap on points?

[RandyBMC]

I plead ignorance as a car guy.

I am sorting the timing and checked it statically, then started it up.  It runs great at idle, but looking down and watching the points, the 1-4 points show pretty good sparking between the arm and base (through the gap).  2-3 show a little, but barely.

What's normal look like?  No sparking?  Lots of sparking (maybe I should be saying arcing, because it is like an arc jumping the gap)?

Thanks!!!!

[Deltarider]

I'd say typical for a bad condensor. Anyway here are two easy checks anyone can do.
Condensors (aka capacitors). When idling look for possible arcing. Some tiny sparks are OK.
For clarification see this video.

In this video left condensor (1+4) is bad and causes arcing which means little or no spark at plugs 1+4. Right condensor (2+3) shows only very little sparks and is good. When in doubt, replace. Condensors are cheap. When you fit one, pay attention to the following.
Whilst you're there have a close look at the breakerpoints. Check carefully none of the connectors at the breakerpoints is too close to the plate and so can make ground intermittently when engine vibrates. Failure of a breakerpoint or condensor would affect two cilinders, 1+4 or 2+3.
You forgot to mention what bike.

[RandyBMC]

Just an update, but question still stands.  I figured it may be a bad condenser, since it was only that side that was badly arcing.  It had 560 miles on it since I rebuilt the bike.  I replaced the condensers (with Diachi pieces from CB750 Supply) when it was rebuilt,  and figured maybe they were not great units.  So I had my original TEC condensers sitting on the shelf, but they had obviously seen better days with some external corrosion.  I cleaned them up on the wire wheel, threw some dielectric grease on the outside just to keep them from rusting, and plugged them on.  Same thing.  1-4 arcing pretty dramatically, 2-3 just a little.

I don't have another set of points, but that would be my next guess.  Unless it is completely normal (which I do not think - I'm guessing that if I just keep riding it as is, it will pit the points).

Anyone?

[RandyBMC]

CB750K8

I was posting while you answered.  Thanks.

So my next guess is I buy some points and try that...  Good start?