Topic: Do I need new points or what?

[elcid]

I have 75 CB550. I have had it for a few years now & whenever it seems to be riding "rough" (hesitation, doesn't seem to have full power) I take it in & it is the points. Well 3 months after taking it in for a fix it is running "rough" again. It gets that feeling like I am about to run out of gas-this hesitation or lack of power. But the problem is number one I cannot tell if it is problem with fuel line, maybe not running on all cylinders or points problem (all problems have similar symptoms). I will assume it is points since every time I have had these symptoms it has been points related. So my question is what do I look for in the points that would be a tell tale sign it is the points? Can I do some filing down of points to fix them? Do I need to realign something? Do I need new ones (along with these little battery type looking things)? Will the installation of electronic ignition prevent further similar problems? What could make this happen every three months like clockwork? Thanx!

[ofreen]

How many miles in those 3 months?

Greg
'75 CB750F

[eldar]

Points can be dressed a couple of times unles you have really bad pitting. Do you change condensers too?

[elcid]

Hello -

   I have no idea how many miles. I barely drive the thing since I work from home. Although I did take it on a long 90 mile trip right before it happend. 45 miles there & back. I never drive it that much in one day, Could this have blown something out? How do i redress them? I do not know if the condensers were replaced as I had it fixed by mechaninc... what next?

[TwoTired]

Well, if you avatar is the bike in question, I note it is painted like a 76 model.

No matter.  There is little differnce between the years.  But, if you have light grean gauge faces, its a 76.

Points can oxidize to the point of not working anymore, just from sitting.
Also check that the points cover gasket is sealing out water splashing up from the front tire, road etc.  Water in there wreaks havoc with point operation.

Why don't you look in at the points?  See if they are pitted.  Get yourself some emery paper to clear off any oxidation.  If there are a bunch of craters and peaks in the contact surfaces the contact surfaces must be recontoured and shaped into smooth crowns.  IF the points pit rapidly, then new condensers are indicated.

However, when these bikes sit, the carbs can also get gummy and it takes a while of running to get them clear and flowing properly again. They run rough for a while whiole this takes lace/
You might also check your fuel tank for rust.  It only takes a piece if crud .016 inch big to stop up the slow jets in the carb.  It idles proorly if at all when this happens.

More info is needed.
Cheers,

[elcid]

Thanx old timer! I will have to check the points out & see what I find. That avatar is not my bike - I wish! It definitely doesn't sit as I ride it at least 3 times a week to & fro so it can't be any build up in the carbs. I will let you know...

[dusterdude]

Thanx old timer! I will have to check the points out & see what I find. That avatar is not my bike - I wish! It definitely doesn't sit as I ride it at least 3 times a week to & fro so it can't be any build up in the carbs. I will let you know...

old timer....hahahahahaha

[elcid]

oops I meant two timer. I glanced at "old timer" under the name...

[eldar]

two timer!! oh thats even worse than old timer! At least it will be if his wife gets wind of it!

[elcid]

ah christ I mean twotired! which I obviously am lol...

[dusterdude]

ah christ I mean twotired! which I obviously am lol...

sure you did....lol

[TwoTired]

I'm touched by the reverence. 

[dusterdude]

I'm touched by the reverence.

i could,but im not

[damn_yankee]

some of us are a combination
old and tired ; )

[clarkjh]

elcid

as I read the last bit I was thinking, insert left foot , remove left foot - insert right foot ,  reinsert left foot and fall flat .

Never though I'd see TT called "old timer" and "two timer" in the same thread.

Steve should move it to the humor section

James

[Gordon]

Have you checked your spark plugs?  Sounds like you might be running a little rich and fouling them out.  There are many things that could cause this, but it's best to start with the simplest solutions and work your way up. 

[cd811]

if the points are only 3months old I dought they are the problem. a lot of people down talk points but I like them.   usually ya set em and forget em.  like they said look at your plugs then go to fuel.
 

[ElCheapo]

I had a bike that did this all the time. I went to pointless ignition rotor and module with platinum plug and the problem was GONE