'79 GS550

[Big Dog]

Trying to set the points on a '79 GS550.

I have the gap setting right at .014". When I go to set the timing there is so much slop in the 3 screws that adjust the timing that I loose my point gap. Am I missing something? Should there be bushings or something in those 3 slots or what?

Jason

[AOD]

Tear a small piece of paper (notebook or printer paper) and fold it in half. Loosen the points screws (2?) and slide the paper between. Set the point down carefully and then re-tighten the screws. Rotate the engine and confirm the gap.

When I had points, this is what I did.

~Adam

[Big Dog]

Setting the points is no problem. It is when I try to time the bike is when I run into the problem.

When I losen the 3 screws on the backing plate to rotate the entire plate to set the timing, there is so much slop in the 3 slots that it tends to move the plate oblong and my point gap is lost.

How do you get around this problem.

Jason

[AOD]

I would have thought loosening the three outside screws would only move the base plate, not the actual points. Forgive me because it's been a while since I messed with the points though.

Is it possible to set the base timing and then adjust the points? Or do you lose all your gap and it stops running?

~Adam

[blo]

I can see what Big Dog is struggeling with. The points themselves are not moving, but their spring action against the crank end is shifting the timing plate sideways. As far as I can tell, my GS450 with almost the same timing plate does not have any bushings. I try to loosen the screws on the timing plate as little as possible, and gently "knock" it around to adjust timing.
But in the end I think the timing and point gap has to be set in an "alternating" fashion. Remember that in order to get the bike running and getting the timing aligned, the points do not have to be spot on.
I would go about it like this:
1. Adjust timing, make sure the points are operating, but don't bother with gap.
2. Adjust point gap
3. Re-check that timing has not moved
4. Off you go!

[Hotblack]

Wow, that's something I've never had trouble with on my bikes, that would drive me nuts. Are the slots somehow worn to allow this to happen? There are no bushings for my backing plate, but I don't have that much play.

If there is the same amount of space on either side of the screws, do you think tapping the holes out and using larger screws would fix the situation?

[Big Dog]

There is enough slop in the backing plate that when I go to set the timing I will lose my point gap setting completly.

The backing plate does not look worn. I an going to turn some plastic bushings to take up the slop in the slots.

[Stinkwheel]

I overcame the problem on my 80 GS550e by fitting boyer bransden electronic ignition, fit and forget, lovely :-)

[AOD]

I too went with the electronic Dyna-S and it's been great. The points work good though too...I had a pair I checked only once a year, they were awesome.