Needing help with Timing a 77' KZ650

I've read another post about timing, and I have a book about it, but both are quite vague. I cannot follow the service manual, nor a persons post on how he times his bike.

I've got the cover off and i know where the points are, where to rotate the engine to F-Ignition, check with ohmmeter by moving the point plate back and forth "slightly fluctuates" Thats about as much as I can do.. I dont know where I am supposed to secure the point plate down after testing by moving it around.. Or if theres an easier way.

Some said that the Dyna-S Electronic Ignition DS2-2 set would be the easiest way around all this.. And im considering it for 100 bucks..

Unless some one can very easily, descriptively or visually show me how to do this because im kind of new about this, very new.

Post edited by: TheDevilZX, at: 2007/09/09 13:32

Be sure to first clean both sets of points and set the "gap" between the points BEFORE addressing the ignition timing. Let us know if detail is needed regarding cleaning or setting proper gap.

IMO, forget the "bulb" or "ohm meter" method of timing (called "static" timing), which is at best a ball-park adjustment. Instead, use a strobe type timing light ("dynamic" timing), which allows actually seeing the marks line up while the engine is running, and actually watching the advancer unit in action as it forwards and retards the timing.

Post edited by: Patton, at: 2007/09/09 09:38

If same or similar to 900's, here's some detail ---

Each points set is held by two screws (through slotted holes) to a back plate. Each back plate is held by two screws (through slotted holes) to the round mounting plate. The round mounting plate is held by three screws (through slotted holes) to the engine case. A cam fits through the advancer. The heels of the points ride the cam to open and close. A little oil soaked felt pad lubes the cam so the heels don't wear out so fast.

1st -- Adjust gaps -- Do this separately for each points set. Turn crankshaft clockwise using 17 mm wrench to widest points opening and adjust gap separately for each set of points at 0.3-0.4mm (.012-.016 inch). Each points set has two base screws to very slightly loosen thereby allowing movement to open or close gap, then retighten after setting gap. The widest gap happens when the heel is resting on the highest part of the cam. At this stage nothing but the gap has been adjusted. But this is important because proper gap does affect the subsequent timing procedure. And other screws have remained tight.

2nd -- Set Timing -- Each points set has two mounting screws and pry slots which can be used with strobe light (after slightly loosening the two mounting screws) to align the respective F marks with the timing mark. But if the adjusting plate doesn't travel far enough to allow correct adjustment, then loosen the three mounting plate screws and move the mounting plate.

3rd -- Tighten and recheck --Tighten all screws and recheck timing with strobe light.

Also, check to assure proper operation of the advancer unit. If removed for cleaning and lubing, be sure the cam unit is replaced correctly and not 180 degrees off.

Also good to have a fan blowing onto the cylinders while setting the timing.

Good luck.

Okay, and thats it for ignition, was EXTREMELY useful. However, any timing for T "Top dead center" for the bike? Or do I have to mess with that?

Also, some one did mention problems such as Float bowl fuel level may be too low, how do I check/fix this? Same with a main jet being clogged, how is this noticed and corrected? Also said to check for a defective oil pump or that the screen may be clogged, how would i verify that the screen is clear, and the oil pump does in fact work?

Thanks for all the help.

Post edited by: TheDevilZX, at: 2007/09/09 13:50

Pop for the Dyna S, I did 20 years ago and have never had to touch the timing again. Set it once and forget it.

you really need a timing light to set it the right way,

BSKZ650 wrote:

you really need a timing light to set it the right way,

And this applies whether using points or Dyna S.

TheDevilZX wrote:

... any timing for T "Top dead center" for the bike? Or do I have to mess with that?....

Setting ignition timing does not involve the T mark.

The T mark is useful when doing cam chain adjustment, because rear side of the cam chain has most slack at TDC.

If we knew where you are , someone might be able to help you in person ?

I am in Tulsa Oklahoma. 91st and Yale, if anyone knows where Tulsa is, haha