How to Set Points

[@randy1ization]

great vid Alex. filing points are ok for a temp fix, but the contacts come coated with silver, and once the silver burns off, the points will quickly burn again. silver is the best electrical conductor on the planet. keep up the good work and vids.

[@1pilotsteve]

Your a clever young man...I am restoring a CT 70 1977 and I am going to use your videos to assist me. You use good tools and proper use of the tools also. Some people on youtube are hack mechanics and just use vice grips and star screwdrivers for everything. When I was a young kid we use to garbage pick honda step through 90's and fix them and run them on the trails for the hole summer. We fixed everything on them and rode them until the just fell apart. Thanks for the videos and keep making them please..you do a great job.

[@amandamerrington2786]

being a hack mechanic with these is part of the fun. run forever and rebuild anywhere

[@daysend1341]

i have always been told to use a point file. sand paper is glass an insulator if there is pieces of sand on the point it will not fire. if u use a file only metal a conductor will be left behind and conduct if there is small amount of debre in the point area. not a big deal but good for people with out comoressed air. great video and can be done both ways. the best video i have seen on this

[@TheAlexManVideos]

It has been a long time since I worked on a Z50R motor with 4 wires. In either 1979 or 1980 they changed to a single wire output which powered the ignition coil only. The 4 wire stators were used for bikes with lights, horns, and other electrical components. If you wish to run lights, that's what the other wires are used for. Keep in mind, the voltage is not regulated so you'll have to wire in a voltage regulator. It would be a good idea for you to search for wiring diagrams.

[@dmanbass]

I could not set my points today on my 1970 Honda ST70. I was sooooooo pissed. I watched you and I was riding in 1/2 hour. Thanks Man. I was about to get my hammer out!

[@kokkonosiko]

the tools you use were like golden for me long time ago :) I was setting the points for that engine using only my eyes, most times worked but sometimes u could see fire sparks off the excaust :)

[@imcearlred]

Thanks dude. Helped me figure out why my c110 was not getting spark!

[@Sms68]

Awesome, Always learning. Just restored 3 Dirt Bikes, but running into this issue now. Thnx for the VID

[@matthewmcclay]

Best video on the topic. Exact and complete.

[@lukesloan1353]

Got my 69' z50 to spark using this technique! great vid!

[@fthrcast]

The best way to recondition points on any engine is NOT to sand them while they are still in place. Never having been off to inspect the actual surfaces of the points. It is very important that the coating on the points is uniform to make solid contact. If you sand them while you haven't seen if there are any small pockets on the surface of the points , you are only wearing the platinum or whatever coating that is on their facings. Take them out and use a wire wheel in a drill etc.

[@clicks59]

Good video's Alex. There is a flaw in your settings if the points and their rubbing block are worn. Setting just the point gap with worn out points will give you correct dwell but the spark advance will be early. Not too common on the little Hondas but I have seen it.

[@hunterjessup]

Best points shaving film since the longest yard

[@muddshshshark]

You also need to watch out for wear on the fibre heel of the points, if it's worn too much your dwell angle will be too small which causes the condenser to not have enough time to charge up, resulting in a weak spark. I've worked on hundreds of these... A buzzbox and timing light are also very helpful .

[@TheAlexManVideos]

My grandfather has a cool old-school oscilloscope. I think it's made by Sears Roebuck. He showed me how to use it once on his 1969 Ford. I can't say I've ever used it since. When setting up the points on these little Hondas I usually set it like shown here and fine tune it with an inductive timing light. As for the wear on the follower, a drop of oil on the felt goes a long way to reduce wear. Seeing as how the part costs so little, I generally just replace it if there is noticeable wear.

[@muddshshshark]

Yea dwell wasn't as important on these little guys as it was on the high performance two strokes like the Kawasaki and Suzuki triples. Severe engine damage could happen if I got it wrong.

[@pwollerman]

Getting the dwell angle wrong won't do anything much to your two-stroke engine, just misfire and oil up plugs. Shorter dwell gives less time for a charge to build in the primary coil that collapses and cause the spark when the points open. On a high-performance engine the stronger your spark the better, so longer times are favoured. This video is not by a trained mechanic. This motor is so simple you have to use the points gap to set the timing. Using the F mark on the rotor, get it close enough using a cigarette paper to see when they open. Even better use a strobe light. The T mark indicates Top Dead Centre for setting the valve timing and adjusting the tappets. Starting it on the bench is more affectation than it is useful, even for making a video. That said this is one of the simplest and most fault-tolerant engines around, produced by the millions and hardly changed after they ditched the pushrod versions. The state of tune isn't all that important if you just want an engine that runs and starts; these things are designed to be one-kick starters.

[@drift_boi2843]

Thx for helping me adjust my points on my honda c50 you dont find that knowledge very often

[@CraigStaley-v9x]

Nice video i took a old magnito flywheel .drill out the rivets then the part that slides on the crank is left over .slide it on rotate until point gap is largest and adjust 12-16 .great easy access

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Neat idea!

[@TheAlexManVideos]

When asking technical questions you should post the year, make, and model. How else can you expect any help?

[@72sat360]

Thanks for the video. Got my z50r purring.

[@airplanegeorge]

after sanding, run the edge of a dollar bill between the points to clear any grit left by the sand paper instead or in addition too the compressed air.

[@sigpe57]

Great video. Can you give instruction on how to put back the flywheel?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I too have experienced issues with the points when the rubbing block wears too far. I knew it was causing an issue but I didn't know the actual reason behind it. Thanks for the info.

[@munsif55]

excellent brother, now let me post my views on the point. Now these engines dont carry point system any more, but i have a good expoerience adjusting this point. when i used to install new one, bike used to consume more quantity of fuel, but when point would get worn out , engine would become more smoother. There is a tension spring in the point, you can disassemble the one contact point of point and clean it by removing the clip, and loosen the tension strip or spring. if there is less tension , the engine would run more smoothly, any way it is my point of view.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

That's a good possibility. Check all wiring connections and grounds. Make sure the kill switch is functioning correctly.

[@glennspeeds]

Another great video! Thanks! I noticed the engine in your video had 2 stator coils. Is one of them for lights? I am getting ready to build my Z50. Would be cool if I could put a headlight on it using a coil that’s already under the flywheel.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Yes, the second coil is for lights. I forget what year the Z50's stopped having the lighting coil.

[@glennspeeds]

TheAlexManVideos ok thanks!

[@lilman1796]

Thanks for the video, awesome info ,keep up the great work everyone, well done ☆☆☆☆☆ .thanks so much ,keep up the great work everyone.

[@xl600rdude]

k thanks man, keep the ysr updates coming!

[@HITHEREFOLKS]

you know what you're doing man, wish i could too .......

[@thedrummerboycr]

Nice job!. What do you think about the condenser and contact points to CDI convertion?.

[@glen3993]

I use a plastic bushing the same thickest as the center piece on the flywheel to set points, that way you don't need to have flywheel in the way of setting them.

[@dennisminitrail3141]

At the Honda dealer we have much better methods. A piece of paper in the points should release when the mark hits" F" (perfect time...no feeler gauge needed.) then spin the motor (nothing plugged in, no coil) and watch for spark in the points. hooking up all that stuff on the bench is a waste of time, do it once in the bike and your done.

[@bashirhussain2115]

Dennis minitrail .Can a point system converted to cdi .?

[@peteryanakiev772]

im having issues with the wiring :/ you make it look soooooo simple ! im gonna try now

[@ompoutsos]

Can you make a video or just some pictures on how you made this engine stand ?

[@ctbale1]

love your videos. Just a comment: I think you want to set the points with a meter or a test light because as the point follower wears, that max gap method wont be accurate for the points to open at exactly the "F" mark, cant really see it either, the must "electrically" open at the F.

[@graffitifxnewcastle2954]

Gday Alex.........Love your videos man, especially your 125 rebuild movie its truly the best on you tube to date, However I ran into some issues with a second 125cc rebuild when a starter motor becomes involved, my particular engine has the starter located below the engine and the entire set up was slightly different , I wondered if u could get your hands on these engines and explain the differences between ????....1. top and bottom starter motors, the wiring setups for both in depth right down to the ignition switches, 2. cranks and there sizes. 3 "MY FAV"...125cc bores and Cylinder Heads, 54cm opposed to smaller standard 52cm pistons can they be interchangeable with 140cc engine parts if so what parts and how, eg: building a hybrid engine from multiple parts off 2 separate engines. ....Dude if anyone can do it its you, ....also handy was ur awesome centrifugal clutch adjustment clip...loved it.....Well done bro...well done........here here.!!! Look forward to seeing these vids in the future... ATC 70s Rock. Peace...................Flooky!

[@Mokieyezplaytime]

Great video, awesome details, appreciate that holmes!

[@sigpe57]

Great video, can you give instruction how to put back the flywheel? thanks.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Smoke can be generated from 3 places. Gas, oil, or water. These engines are not water cooled so you know it's not that. If it was, you'll see white smoke (really steam) out the exhaust. If it's gasoline, it will chug a dark black smoke and smell like burning straight gas in a fire. This is usually associated with running rich. Blue gray smoke is caused by burning oil. This can be caused by worn rings (most likely), or worn valve stem seals. Generally, if you fix one, fix the other as well.

[@thedrummerboycr]

Yeah, right. I am agree. But you know, in this time is a little hard to find the condenser and contact points replacemet. By the way, you know if the contact points and condenser for the Honda CT70 is the same for the Honda ST70?. Thanks dude!

[@fig4snick]

Hi Alex... Your videos are big help for us...I maybe off topic but i have a honda c50 12v engine and i am going to convert c90 parts on it to tune it. The question is about barrel studs.I got 4 from a c90 but 2 of them are longer from th other ones.where should i place them?

[@ClumsyToast]

Super helpful video. Thanks!!!

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I thought he might have misspelled Baja which is a common name used to describe any number of bikes from many manufactures. I guess you learn something new every day. OP, if you are not referring to the Honda motors I show in this video, it is not likely I can help.

[@mrfenderguy1]

Where did you get the flywheel puller? I'm looking to get one. Thanks great videos man ,👍👍

[@TheAlexManVideos]

DrATV I think. If you Google Z50R flywheel puller you'll get plenty of options.

[@mrfenderguy1]

@@TheAlexManVideos do you have to use an impact to get flywheel off?

[@mikeswoodworking8327]

I've got a quick question how do you start that thing with drill? I tried it and spinning the nut off. That would be a great help at the moment. I just had a knee replacement, so can't kick. I've got electric motor hooked up to a belt wrapped around the flywheel. Korea would be much better! Thanks

[@7okok7]

if i remember the timing mark (t) on flywheel it's for timing the cam at the top dead center .not for set the point . the mark (f) for fire it's the real mark for gap the point .

[@TheAlexManVideos]

T marks TDC and it is also where the point gap should be set. F marks the firing point. The engine fires when the points open. Thus, the points should open at, not before or after, the F mark. An inductive timing light should show the F mark lining up to the index mark on the case when the engine is running. Setting the point gap at the F mark will result in the points never closing and a bike with no spark.

[@whalderichandreas7829]

i have a kawasahki 180 2 strock it dont want to spark wt can i do

[@TheAlexManVideos]

What is the year and model of the bike? Which way are you rotating the flywheel?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Sounds like you adjusted them wrong or they are the wrong part. Are you sure you installed them exactly as the originals came out? Are you sure you are checking the points when the flywheel is in the correct position?

[@iexploderacoons]

@JACKSVIDO It could be that the flywheel is warped. just check it out and see if you can watch it while its runninh

[@maxslifer1391]

The sound quality is so good

[@IrnMaiden304]

@notdansuper Yeah I seen i was getting spark but a couple other factors shown me more, so I'm just going to rebuild it. Watching more of his video's has got me on the war path to doing an 88cc or a 108cc build.

[@IrnMaiden304]

you hooked it up on the bench to run without the battery ? could you do a step by step vid for that plz ?

[@Mr3Wheller]

how did u get the side cover over the z50r with out stripping the phillips screws? and how would u get the screws out if they are stripped?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

You didn't say what engine you're working on. But I've never seen points that arc when they open. Does it arc if you plug the ignition coil in like it's designed?

[@justingreaves436]

Thanks for the vid, So u dont need a cdi to run a motorbike with points? i cant remember if i took off a cdi from my 1980 rx125 but am just learning it may not of had one because it has points?

[@ElRipper100]

Far Out ! I would love to work with you . I found a 73 Yamaha Enduro, mostly garaged with 1500 miles on it. (Of course i bought it). It sputters -but runs at higher rpm before shifting speed. My suspision is to put new points, condensor which took a long time to find not to mention the puller. I dont know where Im going with this..... Using the guage, is it incorrect to put the guage in the points, retighten the points then pull it out, or let pnts compress on the ga, tighten, then pull it out

[@TheAlexManVideos]

What is a bobine? Do you or do you not have spark?

[@TheCatMilton]

It is a 1981 Z50r engine. I got an ignition coil later that day in the mail and I made the gap a little bit smaller and now it runs. I don't have a set of feeler gauges though so I had to eyeball it. Do you know what could make one of these engines very smokey? It is kinda embarrassing to ride due to the large amounts of gray/white smoke coming out of the exhaust.

[@redwolfmotovlogsandstuff7302]

yes, in some cases if your condenser gos bad your enginge wont start, and if you have the wrong spacing (as in to far appart) the points wont toutch to make the spark plug spark to close and your spark plug is sparken befor its suppos to

[@jeromebullard6123]

I have a 71 CT-70 that has a 90cc head kit on it. I’m having a hard time finding the correct head gasket. It’s 53mm inside diameter of the gasket ring. Any suggestions on where to find one?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Honda Trail Bikes or DrATV both sell the gasket you need.

[@jeromebullard6123]

TheAlexManVideos thanks!! I found one at DrATV and have since got it up and running great!!!

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I don't know of any site that would specifically sell XL600 parts or things like that. All I can say is keep an eye out on eBay.

[@TheUnLuckyNooB]

Hey how did you take off the big nut in middle of the flywheel? Or how did you jam it :o

[@BlurryPixlei]

hello i was wondering how you had the wire hooked up to start it on the bench

[@DrFail35000vr]

Hi, one question. I have a 72 Yamaha CT2 with a similar setup, points cam on the flywheel. I do not see how to adjust the points timing and max gap independently. I can set the opening timing correct to spec, however then the points gap is too large. If I set the gap correctly, they open too late. There is only 1 screw for adjusting the points position. Do you have any insight to what I am missing? Thanks

[@thepyrodude]

if you sand your point you will sand off the fine platinum coating of the contacts and then the points will start to pit and destroy themselves you should always use a fine corse points file to preform a proper job otherwise the points will need to be replaced in the near future

[@WPGinterceptor460Interceptor]

hey, my 85 atc 70, pops and has low power.. is this the points? put a new carb on it with no help.. still pops

[@shawninyaletown]

Hey Alex, i have a 1985 honda ct70. i just bought a new carb and put it on.. bike starts fine and revs fine, but when riding there is a loss of power that starts and stops and it sputters.. can it be the points???

[@thejapanesegangster]

Sorry to burst your bubble man. But bajaj is a indian company/ motorcycle,not chinese. Thats why its hard to get parts for it except in asia. Cheers mate! Keep on making those videos.

[@bangboymatthews2719]

How u get the engine to run on the table

[@Turbine2k8]

when i turn the fly wheel I hardly notice the points moving? but do you think they will still be working just with very little movement?

[@shakilahmmed5615]

Good job 👍

[@3289970]

I have a 78 xr 75 that I picked up in a trash pile. The coil was wasted it has the condenser on it, got a new coil with no condenser. I bought a tune up kit from sudco. I put the points in and condenser but where do you hook said condensers two little prongs to. HELP

[@TheAlexManVideos]

If they are clean and set correctly they will work. The amount of movement is not as important as the timing.

[@weekendtotaal]

hey the alexman! Ive a st50 "77 it runned perfectly but suddendly when i was riding it stopped ignite... checked the spark plug worked fine points and condensor where just changed and good only thing is the bobine am i right? maybe you have some tips for me? Thanks

[@coldrefridgerator]

Hey man im working on a points system on my puch moped engine. If your points aren't cleaned can their be absolutely no spark? Or if theirs no spark and its not the points can it be the condenser? Thanks :)

[@IrnMaiden304]

1977 CT70, what wires do i have to jump to run it with no battery. it never had one, and I can't exactly tell in your video. would be much appreciated

[@fredrickvoncold]

Looks lik a ct 110 engine.or trail 90 or 110 not that I know much about hondas,but id sure love to have one. thanks for the tip

[@dbweathe]

great video. thanks for posting it...

[@rushtk2112]

Have u ever replaced points on a 76 mr250?

[@michaelgodovan1]

hey alex i have a 3 speed semi clutch honda does the fly wheel have a key or do i have to guess the timing ? im trying to change my stator plate

[@moto9ll]

i have an 03 xr 50 that has a broken clutch cover from the previous owner stunting it....would you happen to know what would be the cheapest fix? do you know of any Chinese clutch cover that would work? any info would help..been searching ebay with no luck though

[@flyingcatsofthesalishsea.]

Hey thanks, trying to figure out where the point lobe is on my 73 Suzuki .not on the crank cheers

[@MuhammadShahzad-ne5tc]

Which 1973 Suzuki bike you have and want to know information about? Whether it is A50 or A80 or A100 or GP100 or GP125 or SB200 ?

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Sounds to me like you have it hooked up incorrectly, or the points are not opening at all.

[@mundanezxcv7625]

good day sir. my kawasaki hd3 two stroke is not working because it stock 2 years but every time i go to shop then they fix it then in an hour it happens again the engine goes to shutdown. what would i dom

[@greenstomp7695]

im trying to learn as much as i can about pit bike engine's.. could you tell me why you'de need to do this.. like how would you know it needs doing an what causes it thanks mate

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Honda hasn't used points on their 50's and 70's since about 1988. Most pitbikes do not use this setup anymore. If you do have this setup then it is necessary to do this in order to set the ignition timing. Also, dirty points contacts will cause weak, erratic, or no spark.

[@greenstomp7695]

yh was wondering why mine doesnt have these points,,, i have no spark so thought id lost them so ended up buying a new engine.. glad you told me this now as iv just weasted 245 on a new engine

[@ononewheel4days]

hey i had a question myn does everything on the opposite side of the fly wheel and closses on the f

[@joejones3836]

Hi, I'm trying to get a family members z50r to go. It was put away when children got a bit big and has been covered up for about 25 years, there was nothing wrong with it when it was put away. I have now cleaned out all the carborator and fuel tank, changed air filter, oil and I have tried running new fuel through the system but it doesn't seem to spark i was wondering what would make it not plus I have had a new spark plug on it. Any ideas would be appreciated thanks.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Joe Jones You can find .PDF files online of the service manual. It has a detailed troubleshooting guide which will direct you to which tests to do in what order. It will outline how to do the tests for each component. This video is a good guide for setting the points. If the bike ran fine when parked, the points are possibly dirty. You could try cleaning the layer of corrosion off the points by sanding them with fine sandpaper.

[@joejones3836]

Ok thank you for that I will get a service manual and do that then thanks.

[@senorboardhead]

An emery board (woman’s fingernail board) is the traditional tool for cleaning points. Easier to use also.

[@smileyrod11]

hey alex can you do this on a Honda 15cc tmx let me know

[@xl600rdude]

hey alex i have a 1987 honda xl600r and ive been trying to find a new flywheel because the person who had it before me didnt put it in right so its kinda messed up, anyway ive been looking for a new one but all the oem flywheels are out of stock. Do you know of any good websits were i can get them? -xl600rdude

[@xanderbrown8913]

Is it bad if a little moisture is in there?

[@Turbine2k8]

would bad or out of line points effect starting?

[@retrogazele]

Hi alex! i desperatly need some help..i have the flyweel at the F and make sure my points are closed..until the T mark they open and my bike starts ok..but i cant Rev it up it shokes and goes of..i have tried 2 carbs and its the same..what can this be??the point are new!!

[@steve5912]

Condensor maybe

[@williambrown6398]

whats the thing called next to the fly wheel cuz my mates bike not starting ????????????

[@Mr3Wheller]

i mean how do u get the side cover off

[@TheCatMilton]

I adjusted my points but if i turn my engine over (with a drill without the ignition coil plugged in) the points make visible sparks. Is that bad?

[@barrywiegert9743]

You should learn the correct way to use adjustable wrenches. In the video you are using them backwards, it wasn't a big deal since it didn't take much effort to loosen them, but if it had you it were regular bolts that took a lot of effort they may stripped the bolt heads

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I think it is a lot of work for not much benefit, plus it ruins the originality of the bike. That matters to some people but not all. But the benefit isn't that high. Once the points are set correctly, you won't need to mess with them for years.

[@arrow_3891]

bought a 70cc baja motorcross. For my son got new stator,cdi,coil but still no spark. could it be my flywheel??

[@TheAlexManVideos]

Unlikely, but possible. Have you replaced the spark plug? Check the easy stuff first. Also check the kill switch and or key switch. They usually work by grounding out the ignition to kill the engine so you can typically just unplug them to start the engine. This may not apply in your case since your bike is from some unknown manufacturer so who knows how they did it.

[@TheAlexManVideos]

I doubt it. I've never seen a Honda copy use points, they all copy the newer design with CDI. Knocking is probably something worse.

[@golfwipe]

i always just ajust points the use a timing light and should fire at the f mark,when replacing points ajust at t.d.c.to spec,4mm then rotate the muunting bracket,to get it to fire at f mark, mine runs and idles smooth,

[@fthrcast]

Isn't it nice to know that some mechanic will simply cut a small strip off of a piece of sandpaper and scratch the hell out of the points so that they work better temporarily and charge you $100 - $200 in the process? I don't think you would want to do this if your points were $200. Later on those points could get extremely hot and stick closed. Points are made with a slightly conical shape , not perfectly flat , so that they can repeatedly connect and disconnect due to the coating on them.