Frankenstein Build

If this were me I would be pulling wheels, fork, and triples. I would replace wheel bearings, steering head bearings and rebuild the forks. While in that process I would inspect the swing arm bearings and lube or replace as needed. While at that I would be tempted to address the #1 important system on a motorcycle and I am not talking about the loose nut behind the bars as that runs #2 after the brake system. A bike at this age should get new seals, pistons, and lines as needed. FYI:Old pads no matter how good they look generally suck at least feel wise. Stopping is a good thing! This is all stuff I address on any used bike I purchase. On something newer i may just inspect most while replacing all the fluids. I think almost every used bike I have purchased handled better after the fork service, some were just dangerous prior to service.

It seems you should start by getting a bit of sleep. Sleep is key to good decision-making.
Next, I would check for power at the coils when the ignition is turned on.
Also With the ignition on check for power at the points.

You could possibly manually operate the points to verify the spark. This could indicate improper points settings.
It could be advantageous to read in a manual how a points system works.

If you have power at the coils and points I would then check to see if the coils have proper resistance.
This information would be found in your service manual.

I am guessing that you have picked up new points and condensers.
I would get condensers at a minimum they go bad over time just sitting.
Points can be cleaned up with a points file or sandpaper but may need replacment.

Some other things to consider:
Old plugs can be bad and not spark.
Spark caps can be bad.

Lead wires from coils can be bad, some can be changed others can't.
I think you can change the wires on the Yamaha's. This is never a bad option on such an old bike.


FYI:
Beer never helps at the beginning of the job.
It however might help after you have thoroughly failed to complete your initial task and given up.

And advice from the AI:


how does a points ignition system works


A points ignition system uses a mechanical ignition switch, commonly called a points, to open and close the circuit to the spark plug. The points are typically located on the camshaft and are opened and closed by lobes on the camshaft as it rotates. When the points are closed, a current is allowed to pass through them to the spark plug, igniting the fuel in the engine's cylinder. When the points open, the circuit to the spark plug is broken and the engine's cylinder fires. This process is repeated for each cylinder in the engine, providing the spark necessary to power the vehicle.


this explanation needs some work as you did not discuss the ignition coils


You are correct. In a points ignition system, the points are used to control the current from the battery to the ignition coil, which is a transformer that increases the voltage of the current. This high-voltage current is then sent to the spark plug, where it jumps the gap and creates a spark that ignites the fuel in the engine's cylinder. The ignition coil plays a crucial role in the points ignition system, as it is responsible for providing the spark necessary to ignite the fuel. Without it, the engine would not be able to run.


how do you trouble shoot a points ignition system?


There are a few common troubleshooting steps that you can follow if you think your points ignition system is not working properly:

1. Check the points for wear or damage. Over time, the points can become worn or damaged, which can prevent them from closing properly. If the points are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
2. Check the gap between the points. The gap between the points needs to be set to the manufacturer's specified distance in order for the ignition system to work properly. If the gap is too large or too small, the engine may not run smoothly. Use a feeler gauge to check the gap and adjust it as necessary.
3. Check the ignition coil. The ignition coil is responsible for providing the spark necessary to ignite the fuel. If the coil is not working properly, the engine may not run smoothly. You can check the coil by using a multimeter to measure the resistance of the coil. If the resistance is not within the manufacturer's specified range, the coil may need to be replaced.
4. Check the spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine's cylinder. If the spark plug is not working properly, the engine may not run smoothly. You can check the spark plug by removing it from the engine and inspecting it for signs of wear or damage. If the spark plug is worn or damaged, it should be replaced.
5. Check the wiring and connections. The points ignition system relies on a network of wires and connections to deliver the current from the battery to the ignition coil and spark plug. If any of these wires or connections are loose or damaged, the engine may not run smoothly. Check all of the wiring and connections to make sure they are secure and in good working order.

If you have followed these steps and your points ignition system is still not working properly, you may need to consult a mechanic for further assistance.


This could be refined a bit.


I apologize if my previous response was not clear or comprehensive enough. Let me try to provide a more detailed explanation of how to troubleshoot a points ignition system:

1. First, check the points for wear or damage. The points, which are a mechanical ignition switch, can become worn or damaged over time, which can prevent them from closing properly and cause the engine to misfire or not run at all. To check the points, remove the distributor cap and inspect the points for any signs of wear or damage. If the points are worn or damaged, they should be replaced.
2. Next, check the gap between the points. The gap between the points needs to be set to the manufacturer's specified distance in order for the ignition system to work properly. If the gap is too large or too small, the engine may not run smoothly. To check the gap, use a feeler gauge to measure the distance between the points. If the gap is not within the manufacturer's specified range, adjust it as necessary.
3. After checking the points and gap, check the ignition coil. The ignition coil is a transformer that increases the voltage of the current from the battery, which is then sent to the spark plug to create a spark that ignites the fuel in the engine's cylinder. If the ignition coil is not working properly, the engine may not run smoothly. To check the coil, use a multimeter to measure the resistance of the coil. If the resistance is not within the manufacturer's specified range, the coil may need to be replaced.
4. Next, check the spark plug. The spark plug is responsible for igniting the fuel in the engine's cylinder. If the spark plug is not working properly, the engine may not run smoothly. To check the spark plug, remove it from the engine and inspect it for any signs of wear or damage. If the spark plug is worn or damaged, it should be replaced.
5. Finally, check the wiring and connections. The points ignition system relies on a network of wires and connections to deliver the current from the battery to the ignition coil and spark plug. If any of these wires or connections are loose or damaged, the engine may not run smoothly. To check the wiring and connections, inspect all of the wires and connections to make sure they are secure and in good working order.

If you have followed these steps and your points ignition system is still not working properly, you may need to consult a mechanic for further assistance.


would it be advantageous to check the system at key points for electrical current ie:voltage?


Yes, checking the electrical current, or voltage, at key points in the points ignition system can be very helpful in troubleshooting any issues with the system. By using a multimeter to measure the voltage at various points in the system, you can determine whether the current is flowing properly and identify any areas where there may be a problem.
For example, you can use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the points, which should be the same as the voltage of the battery. If the voltage at the points is significantly lower than the battery voltage, it could indicate that the points are not closing properly, which could be caused by wear or damage.
You can also use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the ignition coil, which should be higher than the voltage at the points. If the voltage at the ignition coil is lower than it should be, it could indicate a problem with the coil itself or with the connections to the coil.
By measuring the voltage at key points in the points ignition system, you can quickly and easily identify any issues and take appropriate action to fix them. This can help to ensure that the system is working properly and the engine is running smoothly.


could a condenser be the issue?


A condenser, also known as a capacitor, is a device that is commonly used in points ignition systems to help reduce the amount of electrical current that flows through the points. This helps to extend the life of the points and prevent them from burning out or becoming damaged.
If the condenser is not working properly, it could cause a number of issues with the points ignition system. For example, if the condenser is leaking or has failed completely, it could allow too much current to flow through the points, causing them to burn out or malfunction. This, in turn, could cause the engine to misfire or not run at all.
If you think the condenser may be the issue with your points ignition system, you can check it using a multimeter to measure the capacitance. If the capacitance is not within the manufacturer's specified range, the condenser may need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to check the wiring and connections to the condenser, as any loose or damaged connections could also cause problems with the system.

3 sets of points! What was this thing I want to make sure I never get one.
Whats with the weld/solder marks near the contacts?

Weld a nut on that broken screw and pull it and replace.

You probably want to get the correct screw driver tips + an impact screw driver to remove screws without destroying them.


With the correct tool you just insert the correct tip, set the driver in place twist to the stop and give a lite sharp tap and "BOOM" the screws are loose and still look new. This works on hex heads also. If you find you make the things too tight yourself spend the $$ on torque screw drivers. Also dont touch a motorcycle without the proper torque wrenches.


Anyone on here ever do an idiots guide to a basic tool kit for motorcycle mechanics?