Topic: Tune-up on a 1972 cb500

[jonathantaylor86]

Bike: 1972 CB500

It has 24,000 on it and the person who knows about its history isn't with us anymore. I am going to change the oil if I can ever get the drain plug undone and I just found out that cylinder #3 isn't working. It seems to run okay despite that cylinder not firing, but I want to do a full tuneup. I have a clymers manual and the shop manual, and I would like to get some expert opinions on what things I should do in what order you would do it then I can search the manuals and forums on how to do it. Also if you can think of any special tools i cant do without so i can go purchase everything and not have any interuptions that would be most helpful. FYI my toolbox is really limited, that's why I ask about the tools

[Duke McDukiedook]

Check your spark plug cap and wire to #3 and the connection to the coil. Check the spark plug also. Run through what the manuals say. You'll probably want a timing light, feelers (don't get those wimpy, moto ones), spark plug socket, I'm probably forgetting other crap. The manuals are pretty clear though on what to do for a full tune-up. After you sort everything else out and have clean carbs you'll probably want to synch them (LAST).

[fmctm1sw]

There is an excellent magazine article here from 2006 somewhere.  It goes through setting valve clearance, timing, cam chain tension, and carb sync.  A cheap set of feeler gauges will help you get the valve clearance and point gap.  You can do static timing with a cheap continuity tester.  Cam chain tension = 12mm and 10 mm wrench/socket.  I have a very limited toolbox as well.  Compression tester and timing light are about as "high tech" as I get.  Whatever you do, don't turn the oil pan nut the wrong way.  It can crack the oil pan.