Author Topic: 78 550K ignition issue?  (Read 1267 times)

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Offline needswork

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78 550K ignition issue?
« on: April 13, 2008, 07:37:23 AM »
I replaced the top end gaskets and got things back together. But it's only running on cylinders 1/4. I can see the spark at 1/4 points but no spark at the 2/3. When I take the 12v tester light to the (points) contacts, the 1/4 goes on or off depending on the crank postion but the 2/3 stays on. That can't be right.   :P
« Last Edit: April 14, 2008, 04:20:57 PM by needswork »
'78 CB 550K fixer-upper. The bike needs work, I sure don't!

Offline bryanj

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2008, 08:24:33 AM »
Cant be a 98 and PLEASE do a search on ignition timing as its been discussed to death
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline Jay B

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2008, 08:26:27 AM »
If the light stays on, then the points aren't making contact for whatever reason. When the points contact one another the coil is grounded, so you won't get a light between the 2 sides of the points. Check and see that they are clean and closing properly.
Jay
'77 CB550K
'74 CB350F cafe
2001 Road King
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Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2008, 08:52:39 AM »
If the points are new, they come coated to prevent rust.  Take a white business card, soak it in brake cleaner and use the card polish the points faces.
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Offline needswork

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2008, 09:14:09 AM »
Sorry, a '78. Yes I researched FAQ's and elsewhere, that's why I asked. The points ARE new. I'll chech the gap and clean them. Thanks all.
'78 CB 550K fixer-upper. The bike needs work, I sure don't!

Offline cbass*gxc

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2008, 07:01:10 AM »
Hey needs check out my topic here.  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=32498.0  I was having problems with mine getting it to fire.  There is a lot of good info in that topic.

Offline needswork

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #6 on: April 14, 2008, 04:20:33 PM »
Give Old School a star sticker. I took some emery paper to the points and voila- spark  ;D.
Then it wouldn't run at all  ??? Only pipe #3 was getting hot. I pulled the other plugs (they were wet with gas) wiped them off and she fired right up (all 4 cylinders! Yay!)
Now to change the oil and a couple of more adjustments and I'll be ready to go  ;D

Thanks again guys
'78 CB 550K fixer-upper. The bike needs work, I sure don't!

Offline needswork

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #7 on: April 14, 2008, 04:34:29 PM »
Hey needs check out my topic here.  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=32498.0  I was having problems with mine getting it to fire.  There is a lot of good info in that topic.

I did the same thing with my cam shaft (180* out)  :o
'78 CB 550K fixer-upper. The bike needs work, I sure don't!

Offline OldSchool_IsCool

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Re: 98 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #8 on: April 14, 2008, 05:50:22 PM »
Give Old School a star sticker. I took some emery paper to the points and voila- spark  ;D.


Big 'ol assist to HondaMan on that.  I learned that trick from him not 2 weeks ago!   :D
Can I have a motorcycle when I get old enough?
If you take care of it.
What do you have to do?
Lot’s of things. You’ve been watching me.
Will you show me all of them?
Sure.
Is it hard?
Not if you have the right attitudes. It’s having the right attitudes that’s hard.

Offline needswork

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Re: 78 550K ignition issue?
« Reply #9 on: April 14, 2008, 06:12:17 PM »
Hondaman gets a gold star too!
Now I have to deal with a leaking carb  ??? and order an oil filter bolt  >:(
'78 CB 550K fixer-upper. The bike needs work, I sure don't!