Silver solder on points?

[Anonymous]

I wonder if anyone has ever heard of or tried using siver solder on worn out points as a quick/cheap/in a bind fix? If so, let me know what the results were? If not, I'll be on later to let you know. The points i have are s c r e w e d, so if this doesn't work, I'm only out some solder and gas (for the torch).

[Anonymous]

...don't do it! Get new points if they are shot. I only use solder on wires or on stained glass frames. I have a 77gs550 and its worth getting new points. If its a temporary fix...it'll be just that......temporary and will leave you somewhere, stranded. Good luck! 8)

[SqDancerLynn1]

NOT worth the effort for a temp repair torch would probably distroy what is left of them

[Anonymous]

The points are on their way, I was just wondering. didn't bother, one side of the points is backed with fiber (two screw kind), and would have melted.

[Anonymous]

Good call, let the bike initiate its own melting if it must, do not encourage it with a torch 8) .............

[AOD]

Ann, did you end up ordering those points from CycleRecycle2?

i still have some in my trunk if needed...

~Adam

[saaz]

Silver soder will not work. The electrical arcing is like welding. If you are desperate, file the points back and set the points gap as close as you can while still getting the timing right. I have been there done that with points. The old GT750 had three sets.

Check the condensors as a faulty one will lead to too much point wear due to arcing. Also lube the points cam as worn points follower will lead to bigger gaps.

[Anonymous]

saaz: I tried filing the points, it worked for a short while, then they rotted out again, ended up with the same problem.

AOD: Earl sent me some on Monday, should be here tomorrow, I was asking the question because someone else suggested it, but when I looked at the backing on one side of the points I decided to not bother.

[mdole]

I found an article on the VJMC website a few years ago about remaking air filters and points.

The points fix involved drilling out the center if the old contacts, removing a set of contacts from a new set of automotive points and the riveting them to the old bike points set.

This is the only fix I know of for old points. The reason that I was interested in this is that I had a couple of bikes at the time that were nearly impossible to find points for.

Mike

[Anonymous]

do you have a link to that website mike? It might prove useful someday...

[mdole]

The site is at http://vjmc.org/

But I can't remember what the article was titled. There are some parts of the form that are members only but I think the article was in the articles section. I believe that section is open to anyone.

It is another great place to find info and also another great group of people. The thrust of the group is restoring old Japanese bikes and they focus on how to and where to get parts. They also have a newsletter if you want to subscribe.

Mike

[Anonymous]

fyi silver solder melts at about 950-1000 deg f .the spring will start to give up it`s temper at about 600 deg f 8) Mark

[argonsagas]

Do NOT use silver solder, or any other solder.

Any solder will cause almost immediate electrical problems, perhaps worse than what you have now.

Points are frequently made of tungsten, not just because it is hard, but because it has a VERY high melt point, and will deform bery little while in use.

A close examination will show that points are rivetted in place.

Even if you get some new metal attached without causing spring damage, silver solder itself will deform VERY quickly due to very high heat of electrical arcing. With deformation, the gap changes, and it will cease to be an effective contact unit.

[Anonymous]

[quote="argonsagas"]

Points are frequently made of tungsten, not just because it is hard, but because it has a VERY high melt point, and will deform bery little while in use.

is that pure tungsten or is it dilluted with something like thorium? 8) Mark

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the great info, I had originally posted it here because someone had mentioned it to me (used to use it on points for a car or something, I don't exactly know) as a short-term fix until my points were supposed to be here (from the dealer, three weeks ago). :arrow: (If you have read some of my other posts, you will see that I am not impressed with said dealer, and thankfully I found this site and Earl sent me some points on Monday.) Hopefully they'll be here tomorrow, or if the mail is slow, Friday?? When I looked at the points, I realized it wouldn't work anyways, so I didn't bother..
To make a long story a little shorter, the points on my bike are toast. I gapped them, which worked for about 10 mins, then filed them and re-gapped them, about 30kms. :x They were deteriorating quickly, and I barely made it home, I haven't driven since. Call it a desperate cry for quicker postal service or whatever, the weather has been quite nice here this week and I WANNA RIDE