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Author Topic: Constant power to points  (Read 2227 times)

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Offline shaveday

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Constant power to points
« on: August 22, 2009, 11:54:07 AM »
Hey guys,
Static timed the bike to perfection, then it wouldn't start.  Checked the points again with my little light bulb, but now the light bulb stays on, even though I can see the points opening and closing.  Replaced condenser but no change.  Coils?  I'm at a loss.  Not sparking.
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Offline kslrr

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #1 on: August 22, 2009, 01:01:29 PM »
The points are no longer completely closing.
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Now  1972 CB350FX (experimental v2.0)
        1981 CB650c Custom with '79 engine (wifes)
        1981 CB650 engine
        2004 HD XL883C Custom
        1977 Yamaha XS750D (in progress)
Then 1972 CL175
        1964 Yamaha YGS-1T
No ride is a Bad ride

Offline shaveday

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2009, 01:23:23 PM »
Points are closing all the way.  It's weird.
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Offline fmctm1sw

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2009, 01:24:49 PM »
What's powering your bulb?  Is it self powered or do you get power from the battery?
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Quote from: 754
Dude is that a tire ? or an O-ring..??

Quote from: inkscars
This is not a pod thread
This is not a #$%* on my vacuum gauges thread
This is a help or GTFO thread.

1973 CB350F
1973 CB350G
1975 CB550K
1983 GL650I
1973 CB750K3 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=92888.0)
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1994 Honda TRX300
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Offline shaveday

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2009, 01:35:19 PM »
It's just two alligator clips with a tiny bulb.  One clip to the thin metal under the point and the other on the head fin.  Always lit even when points close.  Timed it last night and bulb was going on and off at the right time.  Now all light, all the time.  Doesn't make sense.
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Offline Spanner 1

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #5 on: August 22, 2009, 02:51:06 PM »
Points may be closing, but not making connection as light would go out for sure if the points are properly closed. Can you describe how you did the timing ?
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If your sure it's an ignition problem; it's carbs....

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2009, 03:33:59 PM »
Get a points file and shine up the points faces.  Then, use a WHITE business card with a dab of brake cleaner on them to polish the points even more.

Try your tests again.
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Offline shaveday

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Re: Constant power to points (Got it running)
« Reply #7 on: August 25, 2009, 03:42:25 PM »
Got it.  Apparently it is not good to spray Electric Contact Cleaner on your points.  Two friends said that it makes everything conduct electricity.  To top it off, I dragged a GLOSSY white business card through the points.  One or both of those things kept the points from working.  Cost me a weekend ride in the mountains with my bros.  1000 grit paper through the points and BRAKE CLEANER on everything (like Old School said), dab of white lithium on the cam, and damn thing runs like a champ again.  Thanks for the help guys.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Constant power to points (Got it running)
« Reply #8 on: August 25, 2009, 03:58:52 PM »
Quote from: shaveday on August 25, 2009, 03:42:25 PM
1000 grit paper through the points...
If the paper you used had non-conductive grit, it left some grit embedded in the soft point contact metal.  This reduces the contact area of the points, leading to overheating and burning and generally shortened life of the points.

That's why a points FILE was recommended.

Ain't maintenance fun?
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
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Offline mystic_1

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #9 on: August 25, 2009, 04:31:22 PM »
<grumble>

I went looking for my point file the other night.  If I had a dollar for every time I lost a point file, I could....... buy a lot more point files.  >:(

mystic_1
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #10 on: August 25, 2009, 06:11:43 PM »
The presence of a points file is a sure sign of a mechanic worthy of working on our bikes!!!  I have found only ONE shop in my town that keeps them in stock.  Most of the other "parts guys" around town haven't even heard of them.
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Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline tomsweb1

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Re: Constant power to points
« Reply #11 on: August 25, 2009, 06:44:23 PM »
Ha, that's funny. I went into SEVERAL local parts stores looking for spark plug caps. They all looked at me like I was retarded. 'do you mean spark plug 'gaps'?' ... You can't BUY spark plug "gaps", idiot. And even if you could, just because it rhymes, doesn't mean that's what I'm looking for...

Glad you got your bike running bud! Too bad you missed out on a sweet ride because of it though. I've missed out on a few because of 'old reliable' myself.
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Present: 1978 CB750A, 1978 CB400A, 1983 Nighthawk 550, 1984 CM250C

Past: 1977 XL100, 1982 KZ1300
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