Subject: Re: ignition question
Author: Matt Moore
Date: Apr 16, 2005, 7:29 AM
Post ID: 1718712676
Pat,
There will be one spark for each cylinder for each revolution of the
distributor. The point cam on the distributor has two lobes, one long, one
short. The dwell, or charging time with the points closed, occurs during the
two spots on either side of the short lobe where the cam follower allows the
points to close.
What he was seeing was that the points were indeed firing twice per
revolution (of the distributor) which is how it should be.
When you check your timing, everything is timed to Cyl #1, because
everything else (unless you have dual points) is set up mechanically when
the parts are machined, there is no "adjustment" between the cylinders for
timing each separate.
Ted,
have you checked :
#1- make sure the wires are hooked up on the coil correctly:
+ should go to the wire coming from the fuse board, - should go to the
distributor/points/condenser hookup. It should not REALLY matter which way
it goes, but sometimes it does (depending on coil).
#2 - run a heavier gauge (10/12 ga) wire directly from the battery (just for
a test) to the + lead on the coil (or whichever comes from the fuse) and
disconnect the original wire. See if it runs better this way, then you know
if maybe the wire or the fusebox is to blame (maybe a short or bad contact
somewhere). Do not leave this connected for any length of time without
running the bike, it'll kill the coil (overheat).
Otherwise I would say to maybe double check the points gap - manual says
0.42-0.48mm or 0.016-0.018"
Good luck
Matt in MI
1973 Eldo