Point setting...... I know it's been covered..

[W109driver]

I know it's been covered a thousand times but I'm confused.

I understand what I'm meant to do.
But......
I cannot see any tiny mark on the timing lobe that you meant to see and set against.

And for the life of me, I cannot see how you set the gap for the left hand (as you look at them) points.
It's just a fixing, the right points have adjustment but the left plate is just fitted.

What am I doing wrong?

[Maz]

The punch mark is actually visible in your photo on the edge of the lobe. To be honest, I just set the points so that the plugs fire at the correct time, using the flywheel marks. Whenever I've checked the gap on the 'non adjustable ' points, it's been within spec.

[W109driver]

Thanks for reply Max.

Well I've done it, learnt all about points and timings properly... It was way out!
It had been adjusted by bike dealer when I bought it, but it still started and ran like crap.
Honesty would only start in warm dry days and could flatten a battery trying.

I did a trial start (cold dry day here, and been stood for 6 weeks) not expecting it to start.
Choke on, 3 second turn over and off it roared...... Sooo chuffed!
But unexpected, as I'd also forgotten to refit flywheel cover!...... Lol.

[W109driver]

Maz.... Auto correct to Max.

[Maz]

Thanks for reply Max.

Well I've done it, learnt all about points and timings properly... It was way out!
It had been adjusted by bike dealer when I bought it, but it still started and ran like crap.
Honesty would only start in warm dry days and could flatten a battery trying.

I did a trial start (cold dry day here, and been stood for 6 weeks) not expecting it to start.
Choke on, 3 second turn over and off it roared...... Sooo chuffed!
But unexpected, as I'd also forgotten to refit flywheel cover!...... Lol.

Ohh. You won't ever forget that again though!

[landisr]

And for the life of me, I cannot see how you set the gap for the left hand (as you look at them) points.
It's just a fixing, the right points have adjustment but the left plate is just fitted.

FYI: You adjust the timing for the 'left most' points first, by rotating the entire points backing plate. Then you adjust the 'right' points.

Ron in AZ

[W109driver]

Thanks Ron. Yeah I'd worked out the rotation for timing part.
I'd had points set by a bike dealership when I bought it, was assuming they were right, so was looking else where for the problem... Condensor, carbs, coils etc etc.
Live and learn, glad I understand the principles involved now.
It's like a different bike now, feels like it's gained another 400cc.

[landisr]

..........................

[DenverWinger]

But unexpected, as I'd also forgotten to refit flywheel cover!...... Lol.

Been there, done that. It's just as nice as forgetting to put the oil fill cap on. Oiled my pant leg real good before I noticed it.