Motorcycle Repair: cl 125 ignition problems, carburetor jets, coil tester

Question
i have a 1972 cl 125 when i got it it would start and run, sometimes good, sometimes rough. heres what i have done. compression 150lbs, checked valve and ignition timing, cleaned points and installed new condensor. still runs the same. found out it quites firing. could it be the coil and if so how do i check it.                          thank you  mike

Answer
Mike,

Older Honda's depend quite heavily on
the battery to create a good ignition spark.
Always use a good fully charged battery.

The mechanical advance unit under the
points plate can also stick which
may cause a misfire.

Points should have a gap of about .014"
maximum set before the timing marks
are aligned. The points should just break
open when the marks meet.

If the timing can not be set with the gap
at .014" it means the rubbing block
on the heel of the points is worn
and points need replacement.

The coil can be checked by trying it
on another bike unless you have
access to someone with a coil tester.
You could also just substitute
another known good coil.

Check the spark plug cap for problems.
It is also common for gas to gum up
the carburetor jets which can cause problems.
Carb should be soaked and jets cleaned or replaced.

On these engines it is a good idea to
check that the cylinder head is not worn
where the camshaft runs inside it.
A bouncing camshaft end can cause a misfiring
ignition.

Here is a link to a basic coil test you can do
but it will not help if the problem
is intermittant or the coil fails when hot.
You may have to try a new coil or have
it tested by an auto electric shop.
Link below:
http://www.hugedrive.com/published/WG/show.php?q=RFJVSURFQ0s=-be27107d

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