Topic: Hello from NJ

[d1rtypelican]

I just picked up a 1972 Honda CB500 and was hoping for some insight and knowledge that this forum seems to have. This is my 5th bike, but my first "old" bike, the first with points, and 2nd carb bike Ive ever owned. I know my way around bikes somewhat. I could really use some insight as to this bike and what it has on it since it came with some mods already.

It came with a 4 into 1 (no name..generic pipe? Does have a baffle tho)
Tank with what seems to be knee dents, comparing to stock tank that is.
Updated master cylinder and lever
Generic Pod filters
Carb seems to have been rebuilt, the gaskets are in too good shape to be older
Aftermarket brake light?

I cant get this thing to fire tho, Im getting no spark at any of the plugs, power IS going INTO the coils, after that Im a bit fuzzy on how to troubleshoot it. I have a circuit finder and Multimeter but more help is needed. If I need to place this elsewhere I will. Thanks in advance and hope to learn a lot from you guys

[MD]

Welcome from NE MN.

Do you get spark on any of the spark plugs?  If not then points will need to be cleaned.  Next step would be to check the timing.  Search the forum for recommendations on points.  Personally I swapped my points for an electronic ignition.  Don't give up.

-MD
 

[d1rtypelican]

So finally got it to start up. It was the 1-4 point that wasnt fully closing, I would have continuity thru it all the time no matter where the engine turned. It runs very rough and a bit of a leak from the exhaust since when I placed it back on, Im sure the gaskets are beat, and it has no collars on it. Do the aftermarket ones require collars?

[MD]

You are going to have a challenge since the bike has pod filters.  Check out the discussions in the SOHC forum concerning jetting and air flow.  Bike needs some back pressure on the exhaust.  Without seeing the manifold pipes cannot tell if you need the collars.  Usually you do on these bikes.

-MD

[HondaMan]

There are some aftermarket headers out there (and 4-2 types) that have flat plates on the pipes to pull them to the head. There are some copper gaskets (or should be) like donuts in the ports, to seal against the pipes and head.

[d1rtypelican]

It seemed that the copper washers have been crushed so Ill have to get them as well. As for gettting those plates closer to the head I got some bigger nuts as spacers so I dont bottom out the normal nuts on the exhaust threads. It seems to have sealed it a lot better. At least there isnt soot coming out of the engine itself. Tomorrow Im going to start dismantling the carbs and finish up cleaning the inside of the tank some more.