SOHC.co.uk Forums > CB500/550

CB550 Points - Arrrrggg

<< < (3/4) > >>

Neilw:

--- Quote from: Neilw on September 22, 2026, 03:33:46 PM ---The new backplate with points arrived and is all fitted. I reused the existing points as they cleaned up nicely - I may replace them at a later date, once I get this thing going.

I have two issues now with the timing - I've managed to get the points gap set ok.

Firstly, on the 1-4,  the backplate is at its limit for turning. I can get the test light to light at T but can't rotate the plate anymore to get my test light to light on the F.

Second issue is i don't get the test light coming on at all when trying 2-3; I've left the light in place for a couple of full revolutions and nothing. I went back and opened up the point gap a hair to see if that helped, but same results.

Any ideas for each of these issues?  The battery is strong and I've been careful switching the ignition/run on while testing, but something is obviously wrong, and i don't know where to start.

--- End quote ---

I'm having a bit of a chat with Chatgbt and going through some diagnostics, i'll let you know how i get on - for the 2-3 issue i suspect a short.

Issue 2 is sorted, it was a short caused by the way i'd put the wires on the points.

I'll have a look at issue 1 tomorrow.

Oddjob:
Not sure how you are attempting to time the engine up. Do 1-4 first, find the part of the timing ng cycle where the points gap is biggest, now adjust the points so they are opening around 12-13 thou. Lock the points at that setting. Now turn the whole plate so they are opening light comes on at the F mark, lock the plate. No do the same with 2-3, gap around 12-13 thou. Then move the backplate those points are mounted on to get them to open on the F mark. That should be it. With no standard points you need to go smaller on the gap to get 2-3 to time up.

TrickyMicky:
For what it's worth, a few years ago I decided to take the wise decision(sic) to save money and buy a  new pattern fully assemnled backplate. There was noy waynthat I could get spot - on timing for both sets of points, so it became a compromise between 1/4 & 2/3.  First time out and one of the condensors failed 50 miles from home. Returned back home in the cab of an RAC truck.  Dug down my box of bits, found the original backplate and fitted 2 sets of genuine points. This I am still using which means the condensers are now 50 ears old.

Bryanj:
Being honest, i never changed out original Honda condensers in all the years i worked at dealers and points were cleaned and reused over 75% of the time, judicious use of a thin diamond file works wonders.
Similarly rarely used a stobe just a static timing light.
Of course this was on fairly new current models not 50 year old abused examples

Oddjob:
I never changed the condensers either. Points yes, they were cheap back then, especially if you got trade discount. I must have kept quite a few of them as I found quite a few sets of points in my Snap On toolbox the other week. Still usable as well with a bit of work and a decent file.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page