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08-03-2009, 8:10 AM JWC Joined on 07-08-2009 Urbana, Illinois Posts 83 Ignition Timing I just had the engine rear cover off and reassembled. The bike is firing but not starting. I poured some gas into the chambers and got some erratic firing. Concerning the pulsar, the Clymer manual, page 127, figure 18, notes marks to be aligned properly or the ignition timing will be incorrect.  Is this just for the CX's? I have an 82 GL500i and I couldn't locate a mark on the ignition pulse generator to align. The aternator pulser rotor seems to only go on one way as it keys to the shaft. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Jon 1982 Sliverwing GL500i    Report

08-03-2009, 8:18 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: Ignition Timing  JWC wrote: I just had the engine rear cover off and reassembled. The bike is firing but not starting. I poured some gas into the chambers and got some erratic firing. Concerning the pulsar, the Clymer manual, page 127, figure 18, notes marks to be aligned properly or the ignition timing will be incorrect.  Is this just for the CX's? I have an 82 GL500i and I couldn't locate a mark on the ignition pulse generator to align. The aternator pulser rotor seems to only go on one way as it keys to the shaft. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks in advance, Jon   Hi Jon - that mark is the one that I said to make sure you made in my post on Friday.  Of course you aren't the first to not do this, see this thread. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

08-03-2009, 9:11 AM DaveF Joined on 06-11-2008 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 1,232 Re: Ignition Timing The Honda GL shop manual has a good write-up on setting the ignition timing.  I don't know what is in the Clymer manual. It is possible to install the alternator pulser rotor 180 degrees out of time, particularly if it was taken apart.  Symptoms will be like you described.  It has happened to more than one forum member. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650    Report

08-03-2009, 9:55 AM JWC Joined on 07-08-2009 Urbana, Illinois Posts 83 Re: Ignition Timing Hello Wildman, Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I had removed before I read your post. Arrrg! Oh well, we'll get 'er one way or the other. As a matter of curiosity, can a fellow get to that from the rear by removing the coolant reservoir, pro link and air intake? Thanks, Jon 1982 Sliverwing GL500i    Report

08-03-2009, 11:19 AM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: Ignition Timing  DaveF wrote: The Honda GL shop manual has a good write-up on setting the ignition timing.  I don't know what is in the Clymer manual. It is possible to install the alternator pulser rotor 180 degrees out of time, particularly if it was taken apart.  Symptoms will be like you described.  It has happened to more than one forum member. Can you explain please?Do you mean the Advance and Retard Pulsar? Not referring to a GL you cannot install the timing  via the Cam chain180 Deg out on a CX if it's lined up with the correct marks. Just curious if there's something different in the GLs other than the Advance and Retard mechanism? My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

08-03-2009, 4:34 PM DaveF Joined on 06-11-2008 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 1,232 Re: Ignition Timing I'm referring to the mechanical timing advance assembly: Here are a couple of close-up photos of one from a trashed parts engine.  (Please excuse the rust.) If the assembly itself is taken apart (or fallen apart due to handling) there are two ways it can go back together.  One way is correct, and the other way is 180 degrees out. [Edit:  It appears the assembly can also be installed 180 degrees out if the locating pin is placed in the wide slot.  It should be placed in the narrow slot.] The Honda shop manual procedure calls for the pickup coil timing to be checked twice, once when the crankshaft is set to "FS" on the left side and once when set to "FS" on the right side.  When this is done, the nub on the rotor should align with the nub on the applicable pickup coil. If the timing advance assembly is out 180 degrees, the nubs will not even be close in timing. This is a good example of where it can save a lot of work to follow the procedures as described in the shop manual and not skip any steps.  Following the procedure would have allowed the problem to be detected prior to final assembly. Additional information can be found here. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650    Report

08-03-2009, 4:58 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,647 Re: Ignition Timing Thanks Dave.I know about them and their principle but the clean photo is the best picture I've seen of one.The Trashed one well...nasty PS My Haynes mentions something about an,"Air-gap"? My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

08-03-2009, 5:03 PM CXSarnia Joined on 01-11-2008 Sarnia, Ontario, Canada Posts 2,623 Re: Ignition Timing That trashed one looks like a good subject to see how well that Evap-o-rust works.... available in Canada 2009 DN-01 Spakin' New! 1982 CX500 Turbo & Parts bike 1981 SL185 Yamaha Exciter 198? V45 Magna 1979 CX500 Deluxe 1982 CB750K Daily rider September 1999 1982 CX500 Custom - project Originally bought April 1982 safetied and on the road 09/2008    Report

08-03-2009, 5:15 PM DaveF Joined on 06-11-2008 Lawrenceville, GA Posts 1,232 Re: Ignition Timing  Shep wrote: ...My Haynes mentions something about an,"Air-gap"? The Honda shop manual also covers this.  The air gap between the rotor nub and the pickup coil nub is checked for each pickup coil and adjusted if necessary.  This is done be loosening the mounting screws for the particular pickup coil and moving it slightly. Yes, this engine was really nasty.  The PO left it sitting outside fully exposed to the elements for a couple of years, with the spark plugs removed!  I drained a quart of water from the crankcase.  Here's more from that same bike. My Web Site 1982 GL500 1983 GL650    Report

08-03-2009, 5:43 PM Bearman1 Joined on 04-03-2009 Rockdale, Illinois-58 Posts 402 Re: Ignition Timing "GETTA ROPE!!" '81 GL-500 35 1/2k 63,500 to go LTWRD    Report

08-12-2009, 7:44 PM JWC Joined on 07-08-2009 Urbana, Illinois Posts 83 Re: Ignition Timing I finally figured out my problem. The rotor had evidently fallen/been jarred out of its housing. When put back together it was evidently 180 degrees off. I have changed it now and with the FS marks aligned, TL and TR, the steel core on the pulse generator assembly lines up with the rotor tooth. I also found the cam chain tensioner had been overtightened at some point and stripped. I bored it out with a 1/4 inch bit, re-threaded and inserted a helicoil and all is well. The pictures in the factory service manual were a bit confusing as they don't clearly represent my system. They show the wiring loom coming in a different location than mine. When the manual spoke of right and left pulse generator assemblies, it blurred my understanding due to the difference in the picture and my set up. Finally, though, I worked through it. Thanks for all the great advice. Jon 1982 Sliverwing GL500i    Report

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