Topic: Setting timing. Sparks in 2-3 point normal??

[evopgt]

I did my timing yesterday on my 78 cb550.. as I was rotating the crank with the 23mm nut I kept seeing sparks in the 2-3 point. Is that normal?

[BomberMann650]

Big sparks are a nope.

[evopgt]

Does it mean points need replaced??

[evopgt]

It wasn't sparking between the gaps, it was in the center of the point. Like where it pivots.

[Jimray23]

 Are you talking about the little fiber board that contacts the cam on the timing plate? Sounds like its shorting out. but seems to me like it wouldn't run very good, if at all, if it was shorting out there.

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Jim
I really don't see why people ask for advice if their not going to take the advice given.

[evopgt]

Right here, circled it in orange

[TwoTired]

The pivot point is a ground path and current flows through it.  But, it should have enough continuity to not spark.  I suggest cleaning the pivot post and renew the grease on it.

[evopgt]

What kind of grease??

[TwoTired]

A thin grease.  Like lubriplate or a white grease should be fine.

You want a grease that won't congeal or harden over time.  That leaves out anything paraffin based.  Mineral base is ok.

[Deltarider]

No, it is not normal. You may check if the breakerpoints set is installed correctly (are all insulator rings including the tiny one in the middle in the correct place?) or is it wobbling? That tiny insulating ring in the very center of the hole where the bolt sits, could be accidentely misaligned causing intermittent sparking.
In general, also check that spadeconnectors at the breakerpoints do not ground intermittently (groundcontact is easily made, the 2+3 set of points in particular!).
Arcing in the gap is a different thing and indicates a faulty condenser. Have a look at the vid, if you will to see the difference between arcing which is wrong and some little sparking which is OK. In this video left condenser (1+4) is bad, right condenser (2+3) is good.