79 GS550 No Spark Electric Conundrum

[Killer2600]

Connect a continuity lights wire lead/clip to the white wire clip on the
left pointset. Clamp continuity light probe tip to ground on the bike or
battery negative terminal.

Turn ignition switch to on (do not attempt to start bike, just switch
ignition to on)

The continuity light should be on.

You wouldn't use a continuity light in this fashion. I believe you are thinking of a "Test Light". A continuity light could be use for this but the points would have to be disconnected from the coils and the continuity light/tester connected between the point breaker and ground - the continuity light would illuminate when the points were closed.

 

[earlfor]

You wouldn't use a continuity light in this fashion. I believe you are thinking of a "Test Light". A continuity light could be use for this but the points would have to be disconnected from the coils and the continuity light/tester connected between the point breaker and ground - the continuity light would illuminate when the points were closed.

I've been doing exactly as I said for 21 years. It is correct. I said continuity light, I was referring to using a bulb to show continuity. Perhaps I should have said continuity bulb.

A continuity tester has a self contained battery and would be used with the ignition off. a continuity light/bulb is only two wires, no battery and used with the ignition on.

 

[Killer2600]

I've been doing exactly as I said for 21 years. It is correct. I said continuity light, I was referring to using a bulb to show continuity. Perhaps I should have said continuity bulb.

A continuity tester has a self contained battery and would be used with the ignition off. a continuity light/bulb is only two wires, no battery and used with the ignition on.

Did you read what you wrote? Does it sound right to you?

Continuity light/bulb/tester/setting-on-multi-meter is self-powered/contained. A circuit tester aka test light is the one that requires external power. Two tools that can look exactly the same but do two completely different things.

 

[BeardmanSam]

This might help with setting the points.

Setting Points Gaps and ignition timing.

Remove continuity light and HOPEFULLY, start bike..
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Incredibly helpful as I've never done any of this. Thank you. I haven't had time to work on the bike recently, and when I have had the time weather hasn't cooperated . Hopefully I'll be able to get out there this weekend. I'll make sure to update once I do.

 

[earlfor]

Incredibly helpful as I've never done any of this. Thank you. I haven't had time to work on the bike recently, and when I have had the time weather hasn't cooperated . Hopefully I'll be able to get out there this weekend. I'll make sure to update once I do.

With any luck, it'll get you running. Good luck!

 

[BeardmanSam]

Been a hot minute, but I thought I'd update. Between changing jobs and a promotion at the new job I hadn't had a lot of time to work on motorcycles. I now have spark (and crank). To date:

• Replaced the fusebox (and upgraded to blade fuses).
• Points were about shot, upgraded to a Dyna S ignition (also swapped to dyna coils because job change came with a raise).
• New start button/kill switch.
• New wire and connectors throughout the ignition circuit.

Unfortunately, due to new job and new new job I didn't have much of any time to work on bikes. In the meantime, I've stopped getting fuel through the petcock. Guess that's what I get for letting it sit for a year. Cest la vie, at least it's an easy fix.