Motorcycle Repair: finished kind of?, vasoline, red line

Question
Hey Bill,

I went through and set the points and the timing which, were both off. Now when I go and put the points cover back on it barely runs and when the cover is off it runs like a champ. I imagine I'm shorting out somewhere but I can't seem to find/see it!?! I was wondering if you have any ideas?
On another note my tach reads a red line @9100rpm and it dosen't seem like the engine could do that so, I was wondering if you knew what the red line/tach reads on this bike? I have a feeling that it is not the original tach thus not the original speedometer or miles (4660 miles).
Thank you very much for your help and time,
Jesse

Answer
Sounds like you have one of the point wire ends grounding up against the inside edge of the point cover. Turn the the little flag ends of the wires so they are flat and not protruding into the cover. You can put a little vasoline on the inside of the cover, then place it on the engine and tighten it down. Then remove it and look to see where it has been disturbed.

350 twins are pretty high winding, but have to be in perfect condition and state of tune to do that under load.
They will run over 9k rpm...

Bill