[reyj96]

Hi all,

This is a single cylinder bike, but the ignition is pretty much the same as the one on my CL350 so I'm asking about this problem here. I recently picked up a 1978 Honda XL350 for $800. It wasn't running when I got it, but I recently rebuilt a CL350 so I figured this wouldn't be an issue. I've rejetted the carb, and am now fine tuning the valve timing, ignition and cam chain adjustment.

I used this video as a guide:

However, when I connect a test light (positive to the wire coming from the points, negative to ground) it doesn't light up at any point in the crank rotation. I know the spark plug still sparks when I kick it over so I'm a bit perplexed. Could this be part of the reason I can't get this thing started? Any advice is appreciated.

 

[mike in idaho]

I think the xl350 has a flywheel magneto with an a/c ignition coil, there's not 12 volts at the points lead to test. Unplug the points wire, connect the tester ground lead to the battery terminal and the other end to the points wire. The light will be on with the points closed, off when they open.

 

[Bill H]

Mikes right, I also made up a test lamp using a 9 volt battery to test motors on the work bench.

Bill