2021 and the XS650

Yes, but don't get over your skis just yet. You'll want to remove the advance rod and thoroughly clean it and the inside of the cam. Then lube and reinstall it. A little lube on the flyweights is a good idea too. Wrap a rag around the weights as you remove the circlips. That way they won't head off for the next county. You really need everything clean and lubed and moving freely before you start suspecting the springs.
 
Jim said:
Yes, but don't get over your skis just yet. You'll want to remove the advance rod and thoroughly clean it and the inside of the cam. Then lube and reinstall it. A little lube on the flyweights is a good idea too. Wrap a rag around the weights as you remove the circlips. That way they won't head off for the next county. You really need everything clean and lubed and moving freely before you start suspecting the springs.
Click to expand...
Thanks Jim. Lubricated advance rod, cleaned and lubricated weight poles, lubed cam. Moves much more freely. Springs still not pulling the weights back - although overall system feels much smoother to rotate.
 
The points will drag on the points cam, creating some friction. You could mark the position of the points plate for reference and remove it to see if the advance snaps back to full retard.
I'm hesitant to blame the springs 'cause they look to be stretched about right in your pic. Do they go completely slack when you move the advance to full retard?
 
Jim said:
The points will drag on the points cam, creating some friction. You could mark the position of the points plate for reference and remove it to see if the advance snaps back to full retard.
I'm hesitant to blame the springs 'cause they look to be stretched about right in your pic. Do they go completely slack when you move the advance to full retard?
Click to expand...
Not completely slack - just not exactly tensioned when fully advanced. Having another issue now - reset the points, however I'm not not getting any power at points.

Hmmm..
 
lukeXS said:
Not completely slack - just not exactly tensioned when fully advanced. Having another issue now - reset the points, however I'm not not getting any power at points.

Hmmm..
Click to expand...
Key on, kill switch on? Keep in mind you show/read power to a set of points when they are open.
 
lukeXS said:
Thanks fellas. Had a doofus moment. Switch was off.
Click to expand...



light bulb minions.gif
 
Everything assembled and points and timing set - just static method. Went to kick and had a tremendous pop at the exhaust.
 
More details... just the once? Pop every kick? Flooded?

Did it start after the pop?
 
Popped after kick, didn't run. Didn't pop on subsequent kicks. Tried starter for hell of it and popped as well with starter - didn't start, just pop. Might be flooded? Stepping away from it this evening, will diagnose tomorrow.
 
With all the stuff you've done, it's entirely possible your spark is 180° out. That would have it sparking on the exhaust stroke.... pops out the exhaust is all you'd get. Try swapping the plug leads.
 
Jim said:
With all the stuff you've done, it's entirely possible your spark is 180° out. That would have it sparking on the exhaust stroke.... pops out the exhaust is all you'd get. Try swapping the plug leads.
Click to expand...
Didnt have much time this evening to tinker, but I did swap plug leads and was able to idle for a bit after kicking. No pops and was able to idle with choke off. Died after a few seconds, but making progress.
 
Nice work on your bike Luke. How is it coming along? I gave up on my points/mechanical advance and ordered a Boyer Bransden electronic ignition. It hasn't arrived yet. Also, I admit I didn't have a dwell meter. I also had a huge backfire once when I mistakenly reinstalled the advance rod and therefore points cam, 180 degrees out. That was freaking loud!
 

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