Topic: Checking my timing

[jawntybull]

I've set the points gap and timing according to the manual, but nearly ran out of adjustment particularly with the timing on 2-3. Could I ask for confirmation that this is not a problem, and that I have done it correctly? Steps were:

Set gap on points 1-4 to .35mm

Set gap on points 2-3 to .35mm

Connected testing lamp to blue wire on points 1-4 and ground, then turned engine crank until it lined up with the 1-4 F mark. Loosened the three plate screws and turned the plate until the lamp flickered between on and off. At this point the plate was not in the middle of its adjustment range, more like 80% / 20%.

Checked and re-set gap on points

Repeated the testing lamp procedure on points 2-3, then moved the small plate dedicated to points 2-3 until the lamp flickered. At this point the plate was nearly all the way to one side of its adjustment.

Why would the adjustment be so far off? The bike is running smoothly but is the adjustment a sign of something else worn? Comments welcome!

[bollingball]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=59886.0
Read this
            Ken

[jawntybull]

Thanks Ken; it seems from this thread that your answer might be "poor quality points"? If so it makes sense for me to go ahead and get Dyna-S - I was thinking about it anyway.

[Spanner 1]

It's not all the points 'fault'...... the points plate is likely a sloppy fit between the 3 screw posts. Can it move laterally and up/down, even a few 'thou. ? Bet it can ! When you turn the big plate to get timing @ the F mark on 1 and 4 you lose the point gap you had set 'cos the plate has moved up/down/sideways..... fix is to 'shim' at one of the posts to eliminate 'float' when turning the plate.
Frequent responder TT has a good description of fixing this problem. If your confident enough you could 'peen' the 3 post sides with a nail 'set' ( punch ) to eliminate the gap too....... just some suggestions before going to a Dyna......

[BobbyR]

That method is unreliable. If you can score a timing light you will get a better picture.

[jawntybull]

thanks guys; I think its pretty good now as the bike is running well. I'll still go ahead with Dyna; my GS500 had carbies with electronic ignition and I like the combination...