Ignition plate is far off, when LF/RF points Is set.

Trimjohan

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Great xs400 forum! Im glad to be a new member!

I just got my hands on a xs400 4G5 1982 that i try to get running. I fixed the most of the problems except this.

When I set LF timing (with both valves closed, LF mark on flywheel is in line with the housing arrow, done with test light)
the ignition baseplate needs to pass the end stop, clockwise a tiny bit.

How is this possible? What could cause this problem?

I attached a picture, previous owner seem to have messed around quite a bit. ”shavings”

/Johan
 

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Great xs400 forum! Im glad to be a new member!

I just got my hands on a xs400 4G5 1982 that i try to get running. I fixed the most of the problems except this.

When I set LF timing (with both valves closed, LF mark on flywheel is in line with the housing arrow, done with test light)
the ignition baseplate needs to pass the end stop, clockwise a tiny bit.

How is this possible? What could cause this problem?

I attached a picture, previous owner seem to have messed around quite a bit. ”shavings”

/Johan
It seems that the advancer surface is worn, I will try to find a new one and change it.
If you have any tip were to get one, let me now.
 
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Hmmm, i was under the impression that by 82, they all had an electronic ignition not points. Not that someone couldn't retrofit them or swap in an older engine. In any case ebay is probably your best bet.
 
Hmmm, i was under the impression that by 82, they all had an electronic ignition not points. Not that someone couldn't retrofit them or swap in an older engine. In any case ebay is probably your best bet.

I’ll try ebay.

I had to check out the specs. It seems 1981 had points and 1982 had electronics. Maybe mine mas made january 1, 1982 =)
 
The Haynes manual indicates the 4G5 VIN numbers were a UK spec XS400 SE. These were built from 1980 to 1883. What is not clear is what type of ignition is used. US spec bikes from those years (XS400 G/SG, H/SH and SJ) used electronic ignition. The US spec XS400 E used points and that may be what was sold in Europe due to differing environmental legislation (my guess.)
 
The Haynes manual indicates the 4G5 VIN numbers were a UK spec XS400 SE. These were built from 1980 to 1883. What is not clear is what type of ignition is used. US spec bikes from those years (XS400 G/SG, H/SH and SJ) used electronic ignition. The US spec XS400 E used points and that may be what was sold in Europe due to differing environmental legislation (my guess.)
I see, that was odd, interesting that all XS400 SE was points ignition.

I got the first ignition today, since I got the bike. My peculiar baseplate has to be past the end stop to be set… but it works… some progress!
 
Good job. If you have to file the adjustment slots in the plate to get it in the correct position, do it. It could be an aftermarket plate that needs a bit of "tweaking." The important thing is to get the contacts to close at the proper time.
 
Good job. If you have to file the adjustment slots in the plate to get it in the correct position, do it. It could be an aftermarket plate that needs a bit of "tweaking." The important thing is to get the contacts to close at the proper time.
Thank you!
I did some filing today as you said. It took 4mm filing past the stops until I got the ignition points spot on.

I had to make a timing light, with some LED and diodes, to double check the points while running on the starter a short time. It worked surprisingly well.

So depending on the carburators, I hope it will be a test drive tomorrow =)
 

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It did not start the other day.
Discovered today that the points lid shorts the ignition. I took it off, an damn, it started right away!

So I just fetched my helmet right away and took her for a ride, very nice!

Previous owner made it a café racer. It would have been nice with original look, but this look is fine as well. Need som covers and air filters at least.

Soundlevel is ridiculously high though :)
 
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