1966 ca77 305

[revlover]

Also, be sure to check the ignition timing using a 12 volt test lamp. There should be many posts detailing this technique if you are unfamiliar. Timing is greatly affected by wear in the points. Before adjusting the timing verify the point gap is correct and are not burnt or corroded.

[hondadreamca77]

I concur and was going to recommend checking point gap (would burnish) and timing after the other first steps....

If not set right, will directly affect performance.

[dreamneworleans]

Also, be sure to check the ignition timing using a 12 volt test lamp. There should be many posts detailing this technique if you are unfamiliar. Timing is greatly affected by wear in the points. Before adjusting the timing verify the point gap is correct and are not burnt or corroded.

Thanks so much for all the input. I will check out everything you mentioned. I put on an electronic ignition a while back though, so I know it's not a points issue. :) Thanks again.

[rrietman]

put the points back in. they work and problems can be diagnosed/fixed. just do it. the electronic ignition for these bikes is a fix for a problem that doesn't exist. keep it simple.
Good luck
Randy

[Nick]

You got that right! Stick with points — easy to adjust, easy to trouble shoot, easy to fix -- and cheap! A small dab of points-cam grease on the cam and the points can easily go a year or two between adjustments.

Only for a race bike does one need electronic, and in that case it should be crank-mounted, not cam-driven.

[DianneB]

put the points back in. they work and problems can be diagnosed/fixed.

I disagree! That may be valid for a new engine but isn't universal on an engine this old. Before you go back to points, check your points cam for wear!!!

Mine was so badly worn that if the gap was set to book value they never closed! When I set the points to give open/closed at the right time, the dwell was excessive so I went electronic. That made a huge improvement.

I have put electronic ignition in a number of antique engines and it usually improves starting and performance greatly.

[revlover]

I clearly see both sides of this. There are those who are tired of the maintenance and vulnerabilities of points and seek an electronic cure. And there are those who are purists and wish to retain the simplicity and originality of their points. Which system you choose depends on your intended use of the bike, how maintenance savvy you are, and your budget. From a diagnostic standpoint, both systems can be helpful. Electronic systems are nearly failproof nowadays and require no further adjustments. This can be very helpful, as Dianne points out, with older engines with excessive wear. Since ignition, fuel, and mechanical problems can have nearly identical symptoms it pays to have one system A-OK while you search for problems elsewhere. However, If you suspect an electronic failure, there is usually no diagnosis or remedy aside from replacing the unit with a known good replacement. It is times like these when you can step back in time and reinstall the point type system to prove out the ignition system. Points are more likely to fail than electronic on a daily rider, but they can be fixed on the side of the road with ordinary hand tools. Bottom line: Both camps are correct here don't discard either one.