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Author Topic: Timing?  (Read 1257 times)

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Offline zeus87

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Timing?
« on: April 13, 2008, 07:01:55 PM »
I have the honda manual for my bike (78'cb750) and i dont understand how to check the timing.  I have a light, but dont know how to connect it (newb)  it refers to the no.4 high tension cord...not sure what this is.  If anyone can give me instructions i would greatly appreciate it.
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Offline 05c50

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2008, 07:27:37 PM »
Most timing lights have three cables- one goes to positive battery, 2nd goes to negative battery, 3rd goes to high tension lead (spark plug cable) of the appropiate cylinder- number 4,in this case. Number cylinder is on right side of bike.

.........Paul
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Wear a helmet,the life you save may be your own.Ask me how I know.               CB650C,CB550F,GL1000,CB750A

Offline zeus87

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2008, 07:44:22 PM »
how do i run it to the spark plug while still allowing the cylinder to run?  thanks
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Offline cafe750

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2008, 07:53:47 PM »

Like Paul said, there are usually three cables. Two go to the battery, and the third cable clamps around the spark plug cable and "senses" the spark "pulse" through the wire. There's nothing to disconnect, so the bike will run without a problem. If you have the stock wires, there may be an extra rubber cover that you have to roll back in order to put the third clamp around the wire. Hope this helps!
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Offline keiths

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2008, 07:55:36 PM »
Some timing lights are inductive - so you clamp one wire onto the outside of the cable. If your light doesn't have a clamp, it should have a connector that connects between the spark plug and the spark plug wire.
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #5 on: April 13, 2008, 09:36:40 PM »
Here's a nice page on how to use a direct-connect (not inductive) timing light:

http://www.salocal.com/sohc/tech/timing.htm

The procedure for using an inductive light is similar, only instead of clipping INTO the spark plug lead directly, an inductive light has a clamp that you attach AROUND the lead.  Inductive timing lights are better, but more expensive.  I have both in my garage, started with the cheapie and graduated to the nicer one.

mystic_1
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Offline zeus87

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #6 on: April 13, 2008, 09:40:17 PM »
good deal, i should be all set.  Thanks alot!
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upperlake04

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2008, 06:16:27 AM »
  Check for markings on the clamp that goes around the plug wire.  I couldn't get consistent flashes until the arrow pointed towards the spark plug.
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eldar

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2008, 06:29:34 AM »
watch out for the hot surfaces too. The wires just do not seem to like it much! :)
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Offline zeus87

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Re: Timing?
« Reply #9 on: April 15, 2008, 08:50:17 PM »
good deal, thanks guys.  Findings:  1&4 were a little retarded, and 2&3 were spot on.  Thanks again!
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