78 GS 1000 ignition timing

[2fat2fly]

Hi everybody.I've been a member here for a little while but never posted.Now I need your help.....

I'm working on a 78 GS1000 for a friend and here's the problem;I checked the timing and the ignition plate is set all the way to the right (full retard) and the timing marks simply don't line up. The pointer is pointing at the space between 1 and 4 on the plate.It's the same for 2 and 3.I set the points gap at .0013" checked everything and still have this issue.When I start it the bike advances mechanically like it's supposed to but then I'm looking at the pin on the advance mechanism and not the line next to "4".The points and condensers are old and I will replace them but I still have an issue with the timing.Why is it so far out of whack?What's going on and what can I do to resolve the issue?


Thanks for any and all help.I appreciate it.

[hampshirehog]

Hi. You say the points are old. Maybe the arms are worn down too much.

Best thing is to dump the points and condensers and fit electronic ignition. It'll hardly cost much more than replacing like for like anyway.

[2fat2fly]

Hi. You say the points are old. Maybe the arms are worn down too much.

Best thing is to dump the points and condensers and fit electronic ignition. It'll hardly cost much more than replacing like for like anyway.

Thanks for the quick response.
I agree with dumping the points,unfortunately my buddy is on a very low budget for this bike and he says he can't afford to upgrade right now.
I already ordered the replacement points.They'll be here Tuesday.Hopefully that's all of the problem. I've read everypost on here concerning points and I checked and rechecked everything too many times to count. I was sure I was missing something since I don't fool with points much.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. 2fat2fly,

See if this helps: Points Timing

Anyway, let me dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[2fat2fly]

Hi Mr. 2fat2fly,

See if this helps: Points Timing

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

Thank you, Mr. BassCliff!!
I actually did read that before attempting the third or fourth try at setting the points.I went by it verbatim (at least twice....)....still the same problem.I will have the points in hand on Tuesday so I will attempt it again with new parts installed and see what happens.Thanks again for the warm welcome.I truly appreciate it.

[rustybronco]

I set the points gap at .0013" checked everything and still have this issue.

The point gap is not .0013. hopefully it's just a misprint.

what rpm is the motor running at when you tried setting the timing?

[chuck hahn]

point gap is .018 ( 18/1000 )

[chuck hahn]

Also, go to BIKECLIFFS WEBSITE and use the free service manual..it all explained there.

[2fat2fly]

I actually set the timing at .0013". Now I know what I need to look at. Thanks fellas! I am stuck going to a wedding today so I won't be able to work on it until late tonight or possibly tomorrow. I'll readjust and see what happens.Thanks again.

[SandPVRR]

Hi. You say the points are old. Maybe the arms are worn down too much.

Best thing is to dump the points and condensers and fit electronic ignition. It'll hardly cost much more than replacing like for like anyway.

Mr. Hampshire Hog - Could you recommend an electronic ignition setup and where to buy it?
Thanks!
-Joey
(Who just found out his points are shot)
78 GS-1000 E

[Big T]

The Dyna S is the way to go

Get one from Dyna or Z1 Enterprises

Mine's been working fine for over 25 years

[SandPVRR]

Big T and all - have I got the right one here: http://www.z1enterprises.com/detail.aspx?ID=439

Thanks!
-Joey
78 GS-1000 E

[Big T]

That's the correct one

[2fat2fly]

point gap is .018 ( 18/1000 )

I finally got this thing running. YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!
I initially set the new points at 0.018" as you guys recommended.It was still off the marks. I went back to 0.014" and the marks are dead on . I put a timing light on it and checked the advance on bot 1-4 and 2-3 and everything is good. Thanks for all the help. I greatly appreciate it.


Mike

[SandPVRR]

Mike and All,
Not to steal your thunder or anything - but - I got my DYNA S installed today - and the difference is amazing - all four cylinders are firing - properly - and the GS-1000 is no longer a slow feeling bike - SHE RIPS! Thanks to all for the suggestions and help!
-Joey