400 4 Timing

[paul G]

Hi all,
Just getting the 400 4 ready for the summer, given it a service and thought I would check the timing.
It will time up statically using the buzzer method but on cylinders 2&3 it will not time up using a strobe !!
1&4 no problem 2&3 will not line up with the timing marks.
Any ideas would a defective advance and retard spring affect both.

Regards,

[SteveD CB500K0]

How does it run?

I've never been entirely convinced about strobe timing...

[ka-ja]

Hi,
     The timing marks should be spot on, if 1-4 are firing correct 2-3 should also be correct,if not, it only leaves either 2-3 points gap or points condition at fault, personally I usually set up 1-4 and let 2-3 follow, unless the motor runs a bit rough

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

With a stobe there should not be any problems.considering all and sunder I have always done it this way.If 1 and 4 is spot on 2 and 3 should give or take be not far off.If you can not get 2 and 3 right the points I would bin them and change for the legit ones as i HAVE ALWAYS SAID PATTERN STUFF IS Crap.The only other reason could be and I say could be is have you recently stripped the engine down and recently did the timing wrong?One other thing I have found keep the the leads well apart as the collecter can pick up both.
Cheers
Bitsa

[K2-K6]

Can you see how far away it is on 2/3 with the strobe?

Are the 2/3 points mounted on a seperate backplate or just straight on the main points plate so that you can't adjust them relative to 1/4?

[paul G]

They are mounted separate which is why it's strange they will time up static but not with the strobe

[Bryanj]

Paul, in all the years i worked for Honda dealers the strobe was only used once, and that was a 400 dream that holed a piston!

Get the points gap spot on at 14 thou and set the timing to the "F" with a bulb or buzzer, check the gap again and keep adjusting both till both are spot on.

If you realy insist check that the advancer is working with the strobe then put the cover on and ride it

[paul G]

Brian,
              I think I am going to do just that. The bike road well last year with the timing done statically using the buzzer.
I bought a strobe this year and set the 550K3 with it and it made a difference so I thought I would do the 400 4.
Thanks for your help. 

[K2-K6]

Agree with Bryan, that it's probably easier to set them up manually to get the static position correct....would add though that if you do it with the plugs out then it's just easier to turn it over accurately with a spanner so you can be more spot on at the signal change point with both a buzzer or light.

The reason as Bryan has said there is that the points gap is critical to timing and any lateral movement in the points mounting plate will shift the timing as well, making it hard to swing the timing position as required with a strobe and not also alter the gap as you do it. you just end up chasing your tail.

Strobe ideal for checking advance and retard onlt once you set the static, just as a confirmation that it is working and not to adjust anything. So your new kit is not wasted Paul.

[Piki]

The best way..............


Subido en subir imagenes

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Always plus 1 with you oddjob otherwise why did they make them and dont say to test the advance,Each to their own.
Chees
Bitsa

[Bryanj]

I was dragged up on geriatric old fords and bmc's so got used to using feelers long before i had a strobe!!

[ka-ja]

Hi,
      A slip of cig rolling paper used to be the old way of setting the "break" on points, trouble is,don't smoke!----Ken

[paul G]

I also used to use a radio tuned on AM and just wait for the click !
But surely a strobe has o be the more accurate the 550 timed up no problem so can't understand why the 400 4 won't.

[Lynx]

I usually prefer to use the strobe light. In my mind setting it up with the engine running has got to be more acurate in the real world. However I have the same problem with my 400. Can set it up statically but just cannot get it right with the strobe  .