Pulling the tank/Pamco Qs

[alexmac]

The forecast is for rain this weekend. 

I have decided it's time to install the Pamco electronic ignition I bought. The directions call
for pulling off the gas tank. Is there anything special I need to know about doing that? It still
has fuel in it.

I also need to set the timing. I bought a timing gun from the auto parts store but I have never
done it before. It says to hold it at a certain RPM and check the timing for advance. I will be
doing this on my own so I guess I will have to listen to the revs because I won't be able to
see the tach when I am looking at the rotor.

Is it better to have a helper? Or is it no big deal?

[HerrDeacon]

What bike is this for? The reason I ask is that different bikes have the tank installed in different ways. If it has fuel in it making sure the petcock is in the Off position should be sufficient. Also, keep in mind that depending how much gas is in the tank it can be a bit heavy and awkward. However, if you have a tank with a crossover tube like the CB350 then you're going to have to drain the tank first.

[alexmac]

Oh sorry. It's a 1972 Honda CL350.

Drat! I was hoping I wouldn't have to drain the tank.

[HerrDeacon]

Best way to drain a tank is to ride it Best of luck with it. I absolutely hate those cross-over tubes. I plan on getting a quick disconnect for mine.

[warthogcrewchief]

If you decide to not drain the tank, be sure to turn OFF the fuel petcock.  You will have leakage from the crossover tubing, so be sure to plug that quickly.  With the tank off, it might be a good idea to upgrade to a QD (Quick Disconnect) line for the crossover. 

You can get a relatively inexpensive digital tach (a whole lot more accurate than the gauge).  Here's just one I've seen online.

http://www.amazon.com/Tachometer-Kawasaki-Motorcycle-Generator-Snowmobile/dp/B0049IFX56

[alexmac]

Best way to drain a tank is to ride it Best of luck with it. I absolutely hate those cross-over tubes. I plan on getting a quick disconnect for mine.

Absolutely! The bike hasn't been running right though. Fouled plugs from a rich mixture. I am installing brand new OEM air filters and new plugs. I want to make sure the timing is correct, so I have decided to put in the Pamco now ... rather than later.

If that doesn't fix things, I will have the carbs rebuilt.

I went to the auto parts store and bought some fuel line clamps.

[Swapmeet Louie]

once you have an electronic ignition, you can static time it to get it super close. just turn the timing plate until you see the spark plug pop. done.

[Swapmeet Louie]

when #1 is top dead center!

[the_nutt]

once you have an electronic ignition, you can static time it to get it super close. just turn the timing plate until you see the spark plug pop. done.

Can you expound on this a bit? I am familiar with static timing with a timing light with stock points, but am unsure what the process is with the PAMCO.

By the way OP, the installation of the PAMCO is very straight forward. I lined up the notch in the PAMCO plate with the timing notch on my 450. Timing seems to be pretty dead on, and runs like a champ.