Topic: Point Life

[Chris Schneiter]

One more spring question: How do you know when it's time for new points?
Last year, I had no end of fouled plugs and hard starting, but I was also having electrical problems, so I attributed it to that. I've now fixed those problems, but the other day, I did a static timing. Both 1-4 and 2-3 lit up the light, but to get them to do that, I had to rotate the plate to the end of the slot. Does this mean that I can ride like that, or am I asking for more trouble?
I was able to start the bike. It starts hard, but once it warms up, it runs fine. I did notice (and I've had a problem with this all along) that, especially when it's cold, it doesn't want to advance well until it his about 4000 RPM..if I goose it when it's idleing, it bogs.
Bob Wessner, in my question about Oil Viscosity, you asked me if my timing was right...could excess heat be an indicator of worn out points?
Chris

[Bob Wessner]

Would I be correct in that you have done all the other routine maint. items?? Off-hand, I would attribute fouled plugs to be more of a carb issue than electrical, unless the spark is very weak resulting in misfires. How many miles on the current points? How do the point faces look, square/flat or pitted? As for the running out of adjustment on the points plate, you really shouldn't, all things being equal. There is an FAQ on this particular issue. You might want to check this out at http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=5752.0.

I think it was someone else who indicated too advanced timing can also lead to overheating. As for grabbing a handful of throttle and the engine stumbling, not sure what bike you have, but if it does not have accelerator pumps but mechanical slides only, this can happen off idle and is not unusual.