Points setting for dummies??
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
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From: QLD, AUSTRALIA
Points setting for dummies??
I have a 1983 1000cc roadster (sporty) that starts great, idles fine, but dies when you open it up. I've done the easy stuff, drain tank, new fuel, clean carb, the decided to have a look at the points. The springs on the advance weights were busted. After replacing, I've gone to my trusty manual to check how to reinstall the points and reset the points gap and....nothing. Only electronic ignition. I've hunted on the net and on this forum for some instructions, but haven't been able to find anything. (Admittedly my net hunting skills are about on par with my mechanic-ing skills)
Can anyone point me in the direction of a good "how to"?
Can anyone point me in the direction of a good "how to"?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,474
Likes: 57,028
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
This might help you. It for a different year but it should get you in the ball park. Hope it helps. Good Luck Brother.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKVh4pbyh2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKVh4pbyh2A
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: QLD, AUSTRALIA
This might help you. It for a different year but it should get you in the ball park. Hope it helps. Good Luck Brother.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKVh4pbyh2A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKVh4pbyh2A
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
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From: QLD, AUSTRALIA
Still no bananas. I ended up with a new advance weight mechanism - the blokes at my local shop looked at me like I was speaking swahili when I went asking about replacement springs. They ripped a new replacement mech. out of an old shovel they had out the back.
I've tried to gap and time it as per the video, but it still runs like a hairy goat. I know I should take it to a shop, but I wanna do it myself.
The bike was trailered to my place (about a 5 hour trip on dodgy 'outback' roads, ran fine for 10 minutes then went to the dogs. The charging circuit doesn't work (on the to do list) - it's got an external charger/battery minder that gets plugged after every ride. I've cleaned the carb, drained the tank and replaced the fuel, checked the earth ground from the battery, checked the plugs (NGK - BPR6ES?) and dicked around and cleaned the contacts on the coil.
Anyone got any suggestions on what to look at next?
I've tried to gap and time it as per the video, but it still runs like a hairy goat. I know I should take it to a shop, but I wanna do it myself.
The bike was trailered to my place (about a 5 hour trip on dodgy 'outback' roads, ran fine for 10 minutes then went to the dogs. The charging circuit doesn't work (on the to do list) - it's got an external charger/battery minder that gets plugged after every ride. I've cleaned the carb, drained the tank and replaced the fuel, checked the earth ground from the battery, checked the plugs (NGK - BPR6ES?) and dicked around and cleaned the contacts on the coil.
Anyone got any suggestions on what to look at next?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 525
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From: Stoughton,MA
Did you buy a new set of points or just try replacing the springs? A new set should come with everything. (could be your condensor)
Been over 15 years but. if I recall correctly; take out a spark plug and put a long pencil in.( Don't use one too short or you'll be ripping the heads off)
Slowly kick it over until pencil reaches highest point. Use a match book and set the points. (use a feeler guage if you know what ya need for gap). This should get the bike to run.
A timing light comes in handy but ya can do it by ear.
I know this sounds like a hack way but I've done it on the side of the road to get home way back when.
Been over 15 years but. if I recall correctly; take out a spark plug and put a long pencil in.( Don't use one too short or you'll be ripping the heads off)
Slowly kick it over until pencil reaches highest point. Use a match book and set the points. (use a feeler guage if you know what ya need for gap). This should get the bike to run.
A timing light comes in handy but ya can do it by ear.
I know this sounds like a hack way but I've done it on the side of the road to get home way back when.
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
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From: QLD, AUSTRALIA
Thanks Dmcleod, a new condensor is on the shopping list. I've touched the points up with a points file and they look alright still. A mate has lent me a timing light, so I'll get on to a perspex plug 'thingo' so I can do the dynamic timing (i think thats what they call it) and see if it fixes it.
After owning jap bikes all my life (dirt bikes, 4 cyl 1200 crotch rockets) I'm finding the old sporty a pleasure to work on. Don't have to spend half a day disassembling the bike to get at the part I want to.
After owning jap bikes all my life (dirt bikes, 4 cyl 1200 crotch rockets) I'm finding the old sporty a pleasure to work on. Don't have to spend half a day disassembling the bike to get at the part I want to.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,605
Likes: 82
From: nj
I am running into problem with my 84 I want to check the weights behind the points I was wondering if I mark the plate do I have to adjust the points when I put it back in also if I buy new weights and springs doI have to retime anything thanks
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,474
Likes: 57,028
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Two things to check .... 1. You say the charging system isn't working. Don't forget that you need the proper voltage for the scooter to run ... and at higher rpm's this is critical. You could be running out of "electricity" . I would fix the charging system before I went any further. 2. It is possible that you have some "crap" in the main jet. This can cause the condition of poor or no throttle repsponse.
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: QLD, AUSTRALIA
Thanks for your help guys. It was the points and timing. The little sucker runs (rough, but rideable). Got a plastic tool thingo on the way to check the timing with a strobe, I reckon that'll get it running sweet. Was a bit of a bastard getting the advance weights to run true so I'd get the same points gap on both lobes, but got there in the end. Next job, lights, and charging circuit. Thanks again for the suggestions and knowledge. It's great to be able to pick someone elses brains.
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