Topic: CB 550k: First time tune-up woes...

[Nortstudio]

1976 CB550K

I began my first tune-up today, and had some luck, and then hit some snags.

After completing the cam chain and valve clearance adjustments, I moved onto the points and static timing.

I would like to know if when I set the points gap, should I loosen the screw and and place the feeler in-between, and then tighten it?  I got the 1/4 correct, but it sorta just happened . Would love to know the correct procedure.

Next, in using my home made light, I attached one clip to the frame for ground, and the other to the spot where the wire connects to the point mechanism (photo below).  Just now, I found a photo from TT with clip connected to the point itself. 

The thing is, I was able to get the timing pretty tight for 1/4, until the daylight gave out.  Can someone clarify whether I should have the clip on the point itself, and whether my reading was off because I had it on the wire.     

Thanks so much,

Scott

[TwoTired]

The clips don't really effect the point adjustment.

But before you use the clips, did you find the high point of the cam and set the gap with the cam in that position?

Notice the two raised dimples on the plate and the short slot in the points.  If you 'just' loosen the points attach screws so they are still holding firm, you then put a flat blade screwdriver between the dimples and in the short slot.  Twisting the driver then makes fine gap adjustment pretty easy.  Once the gap is achieved, tighten down those mount screws and recheck the gap.

Now you are ready for the clip light.  The 1.4 timing is adjusted with the three points plate screws near its outer diameter.  The whole plate rotates, so the light just comes on as the crank is turned past the timing marks.
If you don't have enough range with the slots, check out the FAQ.  The plate may need shims to hold it centered against the points springs.

Cheers,

[Nortstudio]

Thanks TT.  Yes, I did Indeed do the points gap adjustment with them at peak wide open.  I might try it again tomorrow with the slot.  I honestly don't know how I got it correct, it sorta just happened . I'd rather go back and do it correctly. 

My other question is...actually for you.  I saw an old post by you that showed the light, and your clip was attached to the point itself.  I had mine attached to the place where the wire attaches.  It seemed to work ok.  Which is best?

Thanks so much.  I'm getting through this tune-up slowly, but getting though it.  Wrenching on a Brooklyn curb is proving most interesting....

[TwoTired]

My other question is...actually for you.  I saw an old post by you that showed the light, and your clip was attached to the point itself.  I had mine attached to the place where the wire attaches.  It seemed to work ok.  Which is best?

It doesn't matter.  As long as the light represents the contact status of the points set.

The plate, the points mount, and the engine block are all electrically at the same reference.  The issue comes when the points plate is loosened. If the points plate is allowed to lose electrical contact with the engine block, the lamp condition becomes unreliable.

Cheers,

[Nortstudio]

Great. Thanks.  Tomorrow, I conquer this for sure!  ....famous last words