1976 CB550F1 (what have I let myself in for) Project

[eight0]

Right so I've just done as suggested and it does spark from the wire that would normally go to the ignition.

What's weird is that the light I'm using for timing is now always on.
Using a multimeter between the wire that would normally go to the ignition and ground, there is 12v. Is that right?

[Bryanj]

If you mean the yellow or blue wire to the points yes

[eight0]

I just realised my stupidity asking, of course it wouldnt spark against ground otherwise.

[Bryanj]

If this is a 500/550 you can check oil feed to the top end by removing the polished end caps on the cam cover and loosening the bolts holding the steel brackets on, oil should flood out of there which is why the washer between bracket and cam cover should be soft alloy

[K2-K6]

It will spark from that wire as it's taking a load from the coil, but you need to look at the spark plug while doing it as it should throw out a spark when you detach the earth with that wire.

Yes to measuring that wire with a voltmeter. The power is going into the coil from ignition source and you are measuring it across to ground just like putting the meter across the battery terminals. 

Anyway,  it does look like coils and their supply are working as it wouldn't do as you've described. 

What "should" happen when connected to ignition triggering is that the triggering should be switching that earth route on and off to get the coils to spark.  As it's not,  then that suggests the triggering is not working for some reason.

[eight0]

Thanks everyone for the input! I've put the points back on and it's got spark now on all 4, going to see if I can send the Dyna back for a replacement.

Brianj I'm glad you mentioned about the aluminium washers under the cam cap brackets, I didn't have anything there. I've added a copper washer so hopefully that will work. The bolt on the kickstand side was wet with oil so I know oils made it up there which is great.

I'm basically ready to try and start it I think!?

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[eight0]

Well it ran, and it ran quite well but I've had a fairly large disaster.

I started it a couple of times from the electric start then I went to try the kick and something broke or came loose in the kick mechanism. Now although the kick has a spring return, it's not engaging with the gears.

I am gutted as I guess the only thing I can do here is strip the engine again.

[K2-K6]

Ooooh  that doesn't sound too good.

It's not a complete disaster if you need to get in there though. Ordinarily,  motor out and upside down,  you can leave all the top end untouched and just split the cases to access it.

See what the more 500 centric forum advice would offer to help.

[Nurse Julie]

You can access the kick start mechanism through the sump. Drain oil, remove sump, lean bike right over as far as you can and support it on something. You can get to the bendix and the little circlip (which I'm thinking is what may have popped off). Just make sure everything is in position correctly and locked with the circlip before you button it back up.

[eight0]

Oh really? Well that's a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel then. I did read trigger saying he always replaces the circlips but it was after I had put the cases together.

It wasn't charging either but one thing at a time.

Sorry I didn't get a video of it running.. I was about to and then this happened.

[Nurse Julie]

Oh really? Well that's a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel then. I did read trigger saying he always replaces the circlips but it was after I had put the cases together.

It wasn't charging either but one thing at a time.

Sorry I didn't get a video of it running.. I was about to and then this happened.

Yes, the circlip always or should be single use only. But don't worry, it's doable but fiddly, just make sure all the bits are locked in on the shaft, fit a new circlip and you will be good to go.

[K2-K6]

See, the soothing tones of a real nurse telling you it's all going to be ok.

If only Heineken did techie websites  does it get any better 

[eight0]

Haha. It's true, I feel much much better now.
Thank you Julie!

[eight0]

I've just drained the oil and as suspected all the bits of the kick shaft are in the sump.

More worryingly, I found this in the sump.

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[Nurse Julie]

Looks like black mastic / gasket seal type stuff. Are those glittery bits I can see as well?