Need Help Adjusting Points
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Need Help Adjusting Points
Ok, I just purchased a 74 Sportster 1000. It is my first Harley and im pumped. I have a lot of experieimce building and working on bikes, but all I have had to this point are late model sport bikes. The guy I bought the bike from had recently replaced the points with new Blue Streak points, but he said he could never get them adjusted right. The bike runs OK, it needs the carbs adjusted, and also the points set right. Im a newbie, so bear with my stupidity.
First question, what are points, and what do they do???
Second question, How do I adjust them? He said he was able to get them close, but couldnt get them just right because apparently the engine has to be at 2500 rpms while adjusting them, and there is no tach on the bike. I have access to ummm **** i forget what its called, but it tells you your rpm and the gap on the points, has a little needle that moves when adjusting them. Make sense?? So basically, I need to start over from step 1 and get them set right. Can someone please explain, or direct me to a website that will explain it? I really appriciate it. Ill be working on the bike al day tomorow so hopefully i can get the bugs worked out and get it running right. Thanks again,
Todd
proud new harley owner
First question, what are points, and what do they do???
Second question, How do I adjust them? He said he was able to get them close, but couldnt get them just right because apparently the engine has to be at 2500 rpms while adjusting them, and there is no tach on the bike. I have access to ummm **** i forget what its called, but it tells you your rpm and the gap on the points, has a little needle that moves when adjusting them. Make sense?? So basically, I need to start over from step 1 and get them set right. Can someone please explain, or direct me to a website that will explain it? I really appriciate it. Ill be working on the bike al day tomorow so hopefully i can get the bugs worked out and get it running right. Thanks again,
Todd
proud new harley owner
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
RE: Need Help Adjusting Points
You are talking about adjusting them with a dwell meter. Do a Google search on using a dwell meter and you will find the info you need.
I've been riding an Ironhead for 15+ years, also using Blue Streak points for a 6 banger Chevy. I have never bothered to use a dwell meter. I just adjust them with a feeler gauge.
IMO, you need to seek an expert wrench to give you a hand in trying to figure out if your bike needs ignition tuning, carb tuning or both. You can't tune one if the other is out of whack.
I've been riding an Ironhead for 15+ years, also using Blue Streak points for a 6 banger Chevy. I have never bothered to use a dwell meter. I just adjust them with a feeler gauge.
IMO, you need to seek an expert wrench to give you a hand in trying to figure out if your bike needs ignition tuning, carb tuning or both. You can't tune one if the other is out of whack.
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