QuestionI just purchased a CT-90. I have not been able to find a place to check and add transmisson grease/oil nor what should be used.
I plan to change the points. What is the required gap? Thanks!
AnswerClaude, the plastic dipstick on the right hand side engine cover (down by the footpeg) is used to check the oil level. Unscrew it, wipe it off, DIP it in (do not screw it back in!) and check it again. All the oil for the engine and transmission circulates around in the sump.. a smidge less than a quart.
Quality automotive or motorcycle oil is used. If using car oil do not use the FUEL EFFICIENT blends. 10-40w is good.
There is a small transfer case on the left side of the motor for the HI-LOW range, which carries a little gear oil, but I don't have any specs on that here. You should see a separate drain and fill screw on that side. Drain from the bottom one, fill the side one until it runs out the hole.
Unless the points are badly pitted or the rubbing block is all worn out, I wouldn't replace them. Usually they can be cleaned carefully, set to .012-.014" max gap, then the point plate shifted until the points open at the F mark on the flywheel. I suggest taking the point plate off, first, then checking the mechanical spark advancer, attached to the end of the camshaft. They often stick and cause timing problems. Be sure to put a little lube on the point cam when you are reassembling it.
These bikes are BATTERY ignition, NOT magnetos, so be sure that the battery is fresh when you are running it. They do have a permanent magnet charging system that will work when the motor is running. The battery is a buffer for the charging system and if you run the bike when the battery is dead or very low, it will knock out all the light bulbs with the excess voltage.
Get a shop manual and parts manual from sources like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10961&item=2267527894&tc=...
There were many variations in the parts, through the years, so get a parts book to confirm what you need, otherwise you will waste your money.
These bikes are rugged, but you need to service them correctly, otherwise you will have unending problems with it.
Bill Silver
