Topic: Question about setting points... HELP!!

[Boggins550]

Hey all,
  I have set points on old Fords before, so I'm used to the points concept, but I feel like there is something I'm missing with these points.  I've got a '77 550, everything stock.  I took everything apart to clean the points and do a lube of the points cam.  Putting it all back together, I was reading in the Clymer manual on the page about point gap.  It says that at the F timing mark, the points are to be fully open.  However, on the page about adjusting the timing (static method with the light), it says that the F mark should be the point at which the points begin to open.  Now call me crazy; it's late; I've been working on this for several hours; I feel like I'm missing some stupid detail, but which one of these pages is right.  They seem to conflict.  Do I set my points per one of these pages, or is there some other method you can recommend?

Thanks,
Erik

[Bob Wessner]

Can't speak to the Clymer statement as I use a Honda manual (copy), but setting the gap and timing are two different procedures. The 'gap' is set by rotating the crank clock-wise to find the point where the points are open to the widest. This is the point at which you set the gap. Once that is done, the timing is done (statically) so that the points are just opening at the 'F' mark.

[mystic_1]

It says that at the F timing mark, the points are to be fully open.

That is incorrect.

the F mark should be the point at which the points begin to open.

That is correct.

Now call me crazy

You're not crazy.  Aftermarket manuals for these bikes sometimes have wrong information.  Use the factory service manual instead, that's where all the aftermarket people stole the information and pics from to start with lol!

You can download free manuals here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0

Get the Common Service Manual and hte Carburation Manual too while you're there.

mystic_1

[HondaMan]

To set the gap, turn the crank 90 degrees past the "F" mark for that set of points. That's the middle of the high part of the cam. Rotate the whole plate for setting #1-4 timing, recheck the gap after because the plate mounts are not terribly accurate. Then rotate the 2-3 subplate for timing that side.

[Boggins550]

Thanks guys for all the help.  I figured the clymer manual was kinda fishy, seeing's how I got it for free from a guy who had already sold his SOHC bike.  I'll go ahead and set everything by your advice. 

My bike would idle kinda rough before.  I don't know how to explain it, but it had a very hard ticking sound coming from the bottom end but a good smooth exhaust note and it didn't matter how I set the carbs.  After you hit the gas, the sound would go away, not get worse, so I'm guessing the timing might have been off...kinda sounded like the motor wanted to die, but it would go all the way down to 1,000 rpm and stay there.  Had some good honda guys around here baffled.  They all said I should just let it go considering I've been getting 47-52 mpg. 

Anyways, thanks for the info, and I'll give all this a try!!!

Erik