Timing on a 76 CB200t

[sixsixtie]

I've read the manual, I picked up a timing light. I really just don't get it.

When it says rotate the plate to advance/retard timing they are referring to the contact point plate? Won't that just fuck up the breaker point gap?

So that can't be right. So it's the base plate that holds all of that under the point cover? You just remove the generator cover to see the F mark? the adjustment isn't done there?

Sorry this is really noob. I just have never done timing before and want to make sure I understand it before I start wrenching away.

 

[alec.korver]

They do mean rotate the points plate, counter clockwise to advance, clockwise to retard. It does not mess up the point gap. All it does is change when the gap is open. Remove the generator cover and rotate by hand counter clockwise until you are just before the F mark. At the F mark, the light should light up. That is how to set the static timing.

 

[sixsixtie]

Thanks. I've got a stroboscopic light.

 

[alec.korver]

With stroboscopic, you are essentially doing the same process, but while the bike is running.

 

[sixsixtie]

I guess the problem I'm running into is that the timing is so far out the bike won't idle unless I stay on the throttle. Which makes setting the timing solo basically impossible with a stroboscopic light. I guess I am going to have to find a friend to help.

 

[Sonreir]

Static timing is always enough to get the bike to idle.

You may be fighting a separate issue.

 

[sixsixtie]

Shit, that sucks. I'm just fighting so much. I haven't had much time to work on it lately was hoping I could set the timing and be done with it. I've cleaned the carbs twice, set the tappets, cleaned the tank, cleaned the petcock, bought a new petcock filter, new lines, new plugs, etc. I'm kind of at a loss from where to go from here.

 

[Sonreir]

That assumes the timing was set correctly. Turn the points plate 10° in either direction and see if that helps. If you're fighting only a timing issue, turning one way will make it better and turning the other will make it worse.

 

[djelliott]

Use a 12 volt test light. Ground one side of the test light to the bike and touch the points with the other side. It helps to use an alligator clip to attach it to the points so you can free up a hand. With the bike not running and with the key in the on position, rotate the crank to the F mark. The light should come on at the exact point the the timing marks on the rotor line up. If not points rotate the plate until they do. That will get your static timing done. In many cases you'll be fine. You can use your strobe to fine tune if needed.

 

[yonson88]

Did you ever resolve your issue? One thing I found while fighting the same issue was that the carb slides are actually side specific. Try swapping those out and see what happens..
Also behind the points plate there is the spark advancer, make sure that is free to rotate and spring back to positioning.