Setting the Timing for a CA77

willy_j · Post by **willy_j** » Sat Jun 23, 2012 1:35 pm

Hey, it's been a long while since I've posted anything, but I'm finally picking up speed at work, and getting funds to start restoring my Dream. I had the timing work once and had some spark, but I can't remember how I did it. If anyone has a link to a tutorial, or pictures on how to set it up, I would greatly appreciate it.

Addendum: There is also only a click when I push the starter button, instead of the crank trying to roll over. Ideas?

Addendum part deux: I got the timing done after searching around on the forums. I managed to get the bike to start and run for a minute and a half with some assistance from my dad. We fed it gas straight from a gas tank to the carb. It had to have a maintained throttle to run. It choked out once, and then we were unable to get it to start again. We think it could be a combination of old spark plugs that need to be replaced, and maybe an uncontrolled flow of fuel to the cylinders. Would rebuilding the petcock and then introducing that into the system control fuel feed enough to allow the engine to run without having to keep the throttle up? Please advise. This is the first time this Dream has run in 40 years, and I intend to take her all the way.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Sun Jun 24, 2012 9:29 pm

The petcock will not meter the flow of gas to the cylinders, it is simply an on and off switch for supplying fuel to the carb bowl.

Have you had your carb off and cleaned it to be sure all the jets and passages are clear?

willy_j · Post by **willy_j** » Mon Jun 25, 2012 5:14 pm

Hahnda wrote:The petcock will not meter the flow of gas to the cylinders, it is simply an on and off switch for supplying fuel to the carb bowl.

Have you had your carb off and cleaned it to be sure all the jets and passages are clear?

Actually, I just solved a majority of the kill off problem about an hour ago. As for the carb, I thought it was going to be dirty when I pulled it off on Saturday. Turned out that was about the only part that didn't have any gas sitting in it when I got it from my grandfather. I guess I can thank the petcock for blocking any gas from getting to it when the rubber swelled up and choked off the line. I took an old lawnmower tank and fed gas directly to the carb today, and gave her a kickstart after putting in new plugs and a completely recharged battery. She started on the third kick, so I put the choke to full wide, let her run for a minute, then started shifting gears while it was on the mid stand, which in turn solved my 'clutch problem' by breaking the friction disks free. Overall, it seems that I did all the right things in working with her. The only thing I need to do now is replace the air system and the tail light assembly. Ordered a new air filter and petcock kit from olypen.com/retro, and expect it towards the end of this week, middle of next week. All I can say now, is wish me luck with the old girl.