Topic: 1974 CB550K timing advance post pin and electronic ignition install

[Nago]

So I am installing a Dynatek ignition on my CB550K. The timing advance mechanism post has a small pin/post that appears to serve as a retainer for the stock rotor. I have watched several You-tube videos on the procedure but they don't mention this post. However it is mentioned in the Dynatek instructions and they say it needs to be removed. The Dynatek rotor does not have a groove that the stock rotor does.

The Dynatek instructions say to "lightly tap the side of the pin with a screw driver and a hammer"?!?!? I guess they are suggesting this will loosen it up and then it will fall out or something. Well of course this does not work, at least not on mine, an  original part that the pin has sat in for 50 years. I cannot get the pin out. It is too short and small to get a needle nose to grip it and the screw driver hammer thing will destroy it.

I have it soaking now. I thought about just grinding is down with my Dremel but then decided I didn't want to ruin a perfectly good vintage part.

Anyone know what I should do now? Thanks.

[Tracksnblades1]

I don’t think I would grind anything off
your going to need to reuse..
Maybe I’m reading your post wrong..
Link below is to a Dynatek installionon a 750.
Should be somewhat similar to your centrifugal advance
mechanism as pinned to the crankshaft to determine
correct crankshaft and ignition position.

HondaMan has a version of the transistorized assisted ignition.
Utilizing the existing points as a trigger for the transistors
switching the high current loads to the coils instead of the points.
Virtual eliminating any electrical degradation of the points.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjdybHx-dz1AhUBJzQIHaOWDUQQtwJ6BAgGEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUJMmZpe-uSU&usg=AOvVaw3gBfFnbjzeiQdX1hc6R0bv

[Nago]

I agree with you about grinding something off.... that's why I stopped the install and am now seeking input. Here is a photo of the install instructions:

[scottly]

Tracks, Nago is not talking about the pin that sticks out the back of the advancer and locks it to the crankshaft, but a small pin on the advancer post that engages a slot on the inside of the points cam. Nago, you can go ahead and grind it off, just be very careful.

[HondaMan]

My suggestion might be to instead drive it out and save it: try heating the whole post up first with a MAPP gas torch.
If you decide to go back to points or another ignition type later on, you may have to put the pin back in, or else find another advancer.

[Nago]

Yes, it is the small pin sticking out of the advance mech post towards the 1-4 side. If I ground off the post for the crank, well then I would be in a real "pickle"!

I don't think it would need to be ground flush, just enough to allow the Dynatek rotor to spin freely so with a little care I might be able to do it without screwing up the advance mech?!?

Still I would rather not ruin the small pin and risk messing up the advance mech. I am going to see what heat and prolong soaking will do.

Thanks for the input.