CB360 Ignition Timing / Points Question

[nickhegge]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 74' CB360 and was trying to adjust the points this last weekend and ran into a head scratching situation. The current state is the bike runs, just not well. So, I turning on the ignition and connected the test light to the left point and the ground. Upon turning to the LF mark on the compression stroke the test light never turned on. I thought it could be off by a bit so I explored the area around the LF mark to see if it would light up and nothing happened. I even tried testing the right cylinder and still no light. Oh and I did check the light with the battery and it does indeed work

Has anyone experienced this and if so any recommendations on what to check?

Thanks so much!

- Nick

 

[suthern]

In for an answer as well. Haven't had this problem yet, but in the next few weeks I'll be replacing my points and will have to adjust them then.

 

[Sonreir]

To which part of the left point did you connect the test lead?

 

[nickhegge]

I connected it to the metal piece that leads to the contact breaker point. I referenced it from the manual of where to connect it.

Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated.

- Nick

 

[Sonreir]

Key turned on along with the kill switch?

 

[Finnigan]

Make sure you are rotating the generator counterclockwise. Make several rotations to make sure you're on compression (when you hit the LF mark the generator should want to turn by itself a little)

If you're still not seeing the light manually look at the points to be sure they are closing and opening

If nothing still make sure your ground is connected properly and even use a DMM to check continuity

Finally (should actually do this before you start the points adjustment) check and adjust the tappets with feeler gauges

Pics might help as well

 

[Sonreir]

While checking valve clearances is hardly ever a bad idea, it should be noted that it has nothing to do with ignition timing.

 

[Finnigan]

Then why does the manual insist on doing it before adjust points?

 

[nickhegge]

Key turned on along with the kill switch?

Indeed I turned the key to the start position and the kill switch to run.

 

[Sonreir]

Then why does the manual insist on doing it before adjust points?

No reason that I know of.

Indeed I turned the key to the start position and the kill switch to run.

Have you set the points gap before checking the timing?

 

[nickhegge]

Make sure you are rotating the generator counterclockwise. Make several rotations to make sure you're on compression (when you hit the LF mark the generator should want to turn by itself a little)

If you're still not seeing the light manually look at the points to be sure they are closing and opening

If nothing still make sure your ground is connected properly and even use a DMM to check continuity

Finally (should actually do this before you start the points adjustment) check and adjust the tappets with feeler gauges

Pics might help as well

I will take pictures tonight. I rotated it counterclockwise to the LF mark and to make sure I was on the compression stroke removed the spark plug and put my finger over the hole to feel for pressure (I returned the spark plug after establishing I was on compression). I connected the test light to the ground of the battery to ensure a proper ground. If I were to use a DMM what would be the process for that and the readings it should display?

I haven't checked the tappets yet... would that cause the light to not come on?

- N

 

[nickhegge]

No reason that I know of.

Have you set the points gap before checking the timing?

I did but will try that again.

- Nick

 

[Finnigan]

I haven't checked the tappets yet... would that cause the light to not come on?

I don't know but I've watched youtube vids and read the manual, they both say it should be done before adjusting the points gap. I don't know the real reason behind it though

 

[mydlyfkryzis]

No reason that I know of.

Have you set the points gap before checking the timing?

Because if the timing chain is slack, there might be some unwanted cam movement from the valve springs, and your timing would be off. Adjust the cam chain tensioner, Adjust the valves (Tensioner more important, but heck, good valve adjustment is important...and you have the caps off to make sure you are on TDC anyway...) then adjust the timing.