Can't get the timing right

[slip]

Got my contact points in today. I can't seem to get the static timing in for nothing. I can't believe something so seemingly simple is so difficult to do! I tried the procedure on BikeCliffs web site, and the procedure in the manual to no avail. What am I not getting??? One thing that is a little peculiar is, I can get the timing for Nos 1-4, no problem, get the light to go out by moving the timing plate. But the other set of contacts is a different story. I can't get it to transition by moving the smaller plate. I even elongated the holes, and still can't get the proper adjustment. I am using the middle index mark on the advance governor, but I tried the one on the right side as well. Any suggestions appreciated. Wow, now I know why they went to electronic ignition.

[Big T]

I think your problem is that you're using the wrong marks

Look in the little hole - you should see a static mark. Line up the 1-4 F on the rotor to that and set timing

Set the main plate

Now rotate so the 2-3F mark lines up and move the small plate on the right side of the timing plate to set the timing

Start up the bike and reset with timing light on one side

Rev it up and the advance mark should appear

Repeat on the other side

[Suzuki_Don]

Did you replace the tin plate with the static timing mark on it yet. If not this could be your problem. Also if the points gap is not correct then it will throw your timing way off. Check the points gap on the 2-3 points again.

What position is the top screw on the points plate in? Is it in the cente? If not then the timing on 1-4 could be off and that is limiting the movement of the smaller points plate for 2-3. Give us a picture of the points plate so we can see what is going on.

[slip]

Did you replace the tin plate with the static timing mark on it yet. If not this could be your problem. Also if the points gap is not correct then it will throw your timing way off. Check the points gap on the 2-3 points again.

What position is the top screw on the points plate in? Is it in the cente? If not then the timing on 1-4 could be off and that is limiting the movement of the smaller points plate for 2-3. Give us a picture of the points plate so we can see what is going on.

No Don I did not. I had already ordered the points, so I didn't want to put an order in for just this. I am going by that picture you posted and marked with yellow pencil. It looks like the static mark is on the left side of the 12 o'clock screw.

Big T, I did it exactly the way you describe. I will take a pic.

[slip]

Here is a photo if it will help. I set the gap again to .014" at TDC. The gap was not quite right on 2&3, and I was able to adjust the static timing on this set after redoing the gap, but it still farts and blows black smoke. WTF! Dang bike was running good, except for an intermittent miss, before changing the points. I found a loose connection under the seat for the coil, which I think was causing the miss now. So I think the old points were not bad after all.

[Suzuki_Don]

Pull all the plugs and check for spark. To locate which set of points might be the culprit. It might not be the points or timing. You may have disturbed some wiring under the tank or seat. Just by pulling on some wires, etc. Did you check the timing with a strobe light.
get back to us.

[slip]

Pull all the plugs and check for spark. To locate which set of points might be the culprit. It might not be the points or timing. You may have disturbed some wiring under the tank or seat. Just by pulling on some wires, etc. Did you check the timing with a strobe light.
get back to us.

I did not check the timing with a light, I do not have one. Got rid of my old one when I moved to NC three years ago. Didn't think I would ever have the need for one. I will check spark to the plugs to try to see what the heck is going on.

[Don-lo]

Make sure nothing is grounding your "in" wires, like that screw on the right points to the mounting screw. Also, a bad condensor will give an inconsistent spark.

[slip]

OMG, I had the 1&2 plug wires on backwards! I don't even know how I did that because the inside and outside caps are different! What a dummy. Ran the battery down, so I am going to let it charge overnight. Sorry guys for your trouble.

When I was turning the crank with the 19mm socket to set the timing, I left the plugs in. Can you damage anything doing this??

[Suzuki_Don]

No you cant damage anything. No different than cranking it with the starter with plugs in.

[Big T]

Here is a photo if it will help. I set the gap again to .014" at TDC. The gap was not quite right on 2&3, and I was able to adjust the static timing on this set after redoing the gap, but it still farts and blows black smoke. WTF! Dang bike was running good, except for an intermittent miss, before changing the points. I found a loose connection under the seat for the coil, which I think was causing the miss now. So I think the old points were not bad after all.

Wow,

Points

That's a rare sight these days

Glad you solved your problem, it's always the little things

You should do 2 things

1. Replace the 3 plate bolts with allen heads
2. Find a timing light and fine tuned you timing, plus check the advance

Isn't this the final issue for you to conquer (for this year)?

[slip]

Wow,

Points

That's a rare sight these days

Glad you solved your problem, it's always the little things

You should do 2 things

1. Replace the 3 plate bolts with allen heads
2. Find a timing light and fine tuned you timing, plus check the advance

Isn't this the final issue for you to conquer (for this year)?

Yep, I agree. But I have to get the tin timing plate underneath that has the static mark on it before doing this. I timed it as best I could without the mark, but I really need this to fine tune it.