Ignition or Carb Problem?

[vwfern]

I am trying to get my '70 305 running better. It lacks power, has a miss and spits and backfires. I've rebuilt the carb and kept the original jets, installed new plugs, adjusted the points, etc. I've tried to follow Ed's instructions for tuning but I don't understand instruction #12 that says "Hold crank somehow at "F" to marker and adjust PLATE so light JUST comes on at "F". I don't understand the relationship between holding the crank and moving the points plate.

I don't know if it's a carb or ignition problem or both. Fine tuning is not my strongest point.

Any help or suggestions will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Dgormley]

Fern, you are adjusting the point plate to open the points at a particular moment in the cranks rotation. I hold the crank bolt with vise-grips and move the points to light up the light at the proper time. I check it by then rotating the crank 360 degrees and making sure the light comes on right at the mark. It's easier to do, than explain!...........................D

[vwfern]

i understand moving the points so the light comes on when the timing marks line up but I don't understand the need to hold the crank when your moving the points plate. Moving the points plate doesn't move the crank. I must be misunderstanding something.

[vwfern]

I just rane left it for a few minutes and pulled both plugs. The right side plug doesn't seem to be burning fuel very well. The left side plug looks like it's running a little rich but has a decent gray color.

[Hahnda]

I think he is using a vise grips to hold the crankshaft in the correct position while adjusting the points plate. If I remember correct the engine doesn't like to stay at that spot in the cycle because of the valve springs.

[Hahnda]

Is this bike a single carb Dream?

[vwfern]

yes, it's a single carb dream