Topic: 1971 CB500 Static Timing

[BSAKat]

So, I'm having some difficulty with my new CB500. I adjusted the tappets, adjusted the cam chain, and installed new points and condensers. I'm trying to set the static timing with a test light and I've run into a weird problem. When I connect my test light (alligator clip on the nut on the 1-4 point and the test light probe stuck in a bolthole) it lights up like it's supposed to when the points are open. Problem is, the light stays on when the points close. I turn the engine 360-degrees and the test light never goes off. I loosened the backing plate and rotated it, but the light stayed on. Either the points aren't closing all the way, or something else is wrong. Anyone have any ideas what's going on here? I've included a picture of the timing plate as it sits now.

[maxheadflow]

Try business card. If it don't work a little fine sandpaper and then the card. There is some crap keeping the points from closing. If fact, I can see something in there.

[RAFster122s]

Is that a daichi points plate and points.?  That could be your issue as that brand is JUNK!
Will the bike run? I am guessing it does not if you are not seeing the light go out.
David

[scottly]

Problem is, the light stays on when the points close. I turn the engine 360-degrees and the test light never goes off. I loosened the backing plate and rotated it, but the light stayed on. Either the points aren't closing all the way

Those weird China points are not even close to closing at all!!?? The gap on the 2-3 set is downright HUGE, and when the 2-3 gap is at the greatest, the 1-4 set should be fully closed. It looks like the adjustment is maxed out, and there is no adjustment left to reduce the gap. Buy yourself the proper TEC brand stuff.

[scottly]

Read back through your first post; why did you remove the Martek ignition?? They were usually very reliable.

[BSAKat]

This is a different bike, I sold off the one with the Martek. And, yes, I know the points are open in that photo. I even took the 1-4 point off the bike (and it closed by itself, obviously), kept it hooked up, and the light still stayed on.

[scottly]

And, yes, I know the points are open in that photo. I even took the 1-4 point off the bike (and it closed by itself, obviously), kept it hooked up, and the light still stayed on.

Did you add a jumper to ground the base of the points? 

[Deltarider]

Checking/adjusting the breakerpoints should proceed the timing... Do you know how to do it? Also in the picture I noticed that the center bolt that secures the 23mm nut is not in the centre. Could this mean your advancer cam is a bit wobbly? Use a 10 mm spanner, undo the bolt a few turns and then tighten it, making sure it's right in the middel of that 23mm nut.

[PeWe]

Checking/adjusting the breakerpoints should proceed the timing... Do you know how to do it? Also in the picture I noticed that the center bolt that secures the 23mm nut is not in the centre. Could this mean your advancer cam is a bit wobbly? Use a 10 mm spanner, undo the bolt a few turns and then tighten it, making sure it's right in the middel of that 23mm nut.

+2
That big nut might not have grippped the protuding flange on the cam.

[BenelliSEI]

Looking at your initial photo. On the 2-3 points plate, it looks to me like the black wire terminal plate (where it attaches to the stud on the points, is bent over. If that is grounded, you have a problem! Blow any fuses?

[Deltarider]

Looking at your initial photo. On the 2-3 points plate, it looks to me like the black wire terminal plate (where it attaches to the stud on the points, is bent over. If that is grounded, you have a problem! Blow any fuses?

Well observed. However it will not cause fuses to blow. But it certainly looks like that bent over terminal makes ground, which is not good because the coil will be ON continuously. Also the yellow is dangerously close to that allen bolt. You must avoid all terminals to ground.
BSAKat, compliments for posting that excellent quality picture that allows us to zoom in so well. BTW, could you inform us some more on your 'new' breakerpoints, like what brand and where you bought them?

[RAFster122s]

How are your points wires assembled on the points? I do not see the blue terminal clearly on 1-4 points set.

[Deltarider]

Well, BSAKat, how about it? We love reports back.