Why can't I adjust timing?

[pasteurized]

On my GS750 I can't get the timing set for 1 and 4. I set the timing mark at the first | as the timing plate shows |F1-4| (see http://www.beat-la.net/bike/points.jpg) . Set the breaker plate to 12 O'Clock. Put my continuity light on the White wire, and I can never get the light to turn off, no matter how far I adjust the breaker plate. What is wrong? I can do it for clys 2-3, but once I adjust 1-4 correctly, 2-3 will have to be adjusted again as well.

[braindead0]

Silly question, but... did you adjust the point gap first?

[pasteurized]

Yes. .014".

[pasteurized]

Yes. .014".

[pasteurized]

Twice even! ;-)

[mark]

I've been waiting for a while to see if someone will help you. How close is it to being on the mark when you hook up your timing light?

[pasteurized]

I have been waiting as well. It is dead on the mark when I am setting the timing. I am using a continuity light to do the tests. I reset the gaps for about the 20th time last night and I finally got the light to go off, but doing it this way gives me a real lack of confidence that everything is timed the way it should. Timing clys 2-3 this way is also not confidence inspiring. Maybe I will just bite the bullet and get a timing light. It seems to be running pretty well at this point, save for two clys running rich. That seems to be another problem though. Thanks for the reply Mark.

[mark]

I always use a timing light, I've never used a continuity tester that's why I'm not much help. If you do get one, get a good, bright one that you can use during the day. You'll get your moneys worth out of it over time.

I know there are other threads on this forum with good information about timing procedure, you might try that (if you haven't already). Sounds like you're pretty close though.

[LW_Icarus]

ditto on using a timing light, its easiest. being points I am not sure how your bike could hit on 4 cylinders and not be making and breaking contact.

so you should be able to use continuity to time it.