QuestionRecently purchased 78 CB550K, 15,000 miles, runs pretty well, idles poorly. I've gone thru the carbs, cleaning, replacing float vlvs, blowing out all cavities, jets, etc. Adjusted valves and timing chain. New points. Set gaps. Have not replaced the condensers, yet (they look new).
I checked timing before I started tune-up, and it doesn't seem to have changed or improved. Problem is that I don't seem to have enough adjustment in the timing plate. Read one of your old answers concerning the wrong points, or sticking advance mechanism. My advance mechanism seems to move fine, it's clean, and lubed. I'm pretty sure I have the correct points.
Any other suggestions? Do the advancer springs ever get worn / weak? Is is crazy to elongate the slots in the timing plate? I think that I am trying to retard the spark more, too advanced.
Thanks. Terry McKenzie
AnswerTerry, with 15k miles and your careful cleaning of everything, the spark advancer should not be an issue. You can check them for any slop/play and sometimes tweak the ends of the springs just a bit to tighten them up, so you get a full range of spark advance, as it swings out with the weights.
Your point gap should be about .016" with new points. The rubbing blocks will wear down a few thou in the first few hundred miles, causing the gap to shrink and that creates retarded timing conditions.
Check gap first, then set the timing by moving the base plates to suit.
When you move the base plates, often the gap will change a few thousandths, so you have to go back and forth to achieve both the correct point gap and the proper point opening period. Be sure that they are opening at the 1-4 F mark and the 2-3 F marks.
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/Rtiming.html
With the factory points, set correctly, there should be no reason to have to "adjust" the slots in the point plate base.
Bill Silver
