Author Topic: Need Cb175 k3 timing help  (Read 6421 times)

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Offline livetoskate

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Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« on: May 04, 2009, 06:49:05 AM »
I finally got around to tinkering on the 175 ,Oh yeah its a 1969 cb175 K3.

I got the bike running but the timing is way out.I am not sure exactly what I was doing wrong
when I was trying to time it, I am used to using a strobe. The manual says to pull the plug and watch for the spark and the spark should be when the F lines up with the timing mark.So thats what I did and it is way off.
So I loosend my points adjusting screws and adjusted the point ,and here is my problem I couldn't get the timing
to change at all. No matter how much I adjusted the F was always in the same spot (the wrong spot).
Also I am assuming that I only have to time one cylinder because there is only one  F mark and one point, Right ???
Any help would be great
Thanks
78 cb750K , 73 CB750 x2, Yamaha dt360 & 250

Offline mattcb350f

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #1 on: May 04, 2009, 03:25:34 PM »
I think since there is only one set of points (one points unit) on that bike than it must do both cylinders.

I believe on those bikes, the entire points plate is rotated to adjust the timing, which is individual of the screws which hold the points assembly on the plate. Like the SOHC/4's, you set the point gap first, then move on to timing.

Moving the plate must adjust the timing since it changes the moment at which the points open/close. I've never used a strobe light for adjusting timing on these bikes before, I find it much easier to use the static method with a little static timing light unit I built with some wire, alligator clips, a battery and a wee 12v light bulb.

To use the strobe light, I believe the engine needs to be running, and you point the strobe at the timing marks and look for the marks to line up. HOWEVER, since these have a mechanical advance unit, you either do this at a low RPM to make sure the advance unit is in the retarded position, or at a higher RPM and use a second set of timing marks if the Bike is equiped with them.

Point gap or worn points changes the timing quite a bit, so start there when looking for problems. A stuck advancer unit (located behind the points assembly/plate) will also cause problems because it wont allow the timing to return to its normal position for timing.

 Matt.
1974 CB350F,  1980 CB125S,  1981 XL80S
Non Honda's: 86 & 87 Husqvarna 400wr's

My CB350F resto: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=30467.0
Gallery at:
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Offline bryanj

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #2 on: May 04, 2009, 05:01:35 PM »
"F" mark is for static timing (engine NOT running) and not for strobe timing.

Set points gap yo 0.35mm FIRST
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline livetoskate

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #3 on: May 04, 2009, 08:09:32 PM »
"F" mark is for static timing (engine NOT running) and not for strobe timing.

Set points gap yo 0.35mm FIRST

Thats what I did but the F was always in the same spot no matter how far I moved the plate ??? ???
78 cb750K , 73 CB750 x2, Yamaha dt360 & 250

Offline tbpmusic

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #4 on: May 05, 2009, 07:17:42 AM »

Thats what I did but the F was always in the same spot no matter how far I moved the plate ??? ???


That's a 360-degree twin, the pistons go up and down together - has but one set of points.
You only set the timing using the left cylinder.


Set the widest point gap at about 0.013". Don't change it.

The thing should open the points on the "F" mark - if you can't get there by twisting the plate a bit, something is amiss - bad points, advancer whacked, something.

How are you determining exactly when the points open??
Check out this post at another group - it descrribes timing for twins, but a lot of it applies to you.......

http://www.hondatwins.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=883

Lastly, is it possible you're not on compression stroke at all??  :o :o :o

« Last Edit: May 05, 2009, 07:19:13 AM by tbpmusic »
"If you can't fix it with a hammer, then it's an electrical problem"

Bill Lane
 '71 CB450 Mutant/ '75 CB200/ '81 CM200/ '71 C70M

Offline livetoskate

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #5 on: May 05, 2009, 10:31:38 AM »
Thanks I'll try that next time I have a minute.
I know this is going to sound stupid but what do ya mean by having it on compression strok? I followed the instructions in the shop manual, that says to pull the plug and watch for the spark. I'm gonna use the light I made and static time it this next time.
78 cb750K , 73 CB750 x2, Yamaha dt360 & 250

Offline tbpmusic

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Re: Need Cb175 k3 timing help
« Reply #6 on: May 05, 2009, 10:58:24 AM »
Thanks I'll try that next time I have a minute.
I know this is going to sound stupid but what do ya mean by having it on compression strok? I followed the instructions in the shop manual, that says to pull the plug and watch for the spark. I'm gonna use the light I made and static time it this next time.


The crankshaft revolves twice for every "power cycle" - one time on the upstroke, it compresses the charge (both valves closed). The next upstroke it pushes out exhaust gases through the exhaust valve.

If you pull out the (left) spark plug and stick your finger in the hole, you'll feel/hear the air trying to push you finger out as the alternator "T/F" mark approaches the indicator point.
If not, you're on the wrong stroke - turn the alternator another 360 degrees, that should be the compression stroke.
Alternately, you can shine a light in the spark plug hole and maybe see the intake valve open then close. The next time the marks come up after that is compression stroke.

Same technique for setting your valves, just use the "T" mark instead of the "F" mark.....
« Last Edit: May 05, 2009, 12:08:59 PM by tbpmusic »
"If you can't fix it with a hammer, then it's an electrical problem"

Bill Lane
 '71 CB450 Mutant/ '75 CB200/ '81 CM200/ '71 C70M