Diagnosing a weird issue

[Fix]

Thanks fellas, I'll head up to the O'Reilly's and grab some silicon once my wife gets home and see if it helps. Like you said, so long as I don't drown it, it can't hurt.

[Bonz]

I would agree with that... Don't drown it.

Whew... no one has stepped in and shot me down, thanks for being the first person ever to follow my advice on the forum.

JUST Kidding, I actually do know what I speak of in this case...

If that fixes it, let us know. If that doesn't fix it, let us know...

[Fix]

Jeez, that allen bolt is IN there. Having a heck of a time keeping the motor from turning and trying to loosen that bastard.

[Fix]

Ok, got the allen bolt out and removed the advance mechanism. The bearings in it feel seriously gummed up.

[BA80]

The bearings in that breaker plate will rust up from disuse. You can usually spray a little WD40 or the like into the edges and work them smooth again.

You might want to go ahead and pull the three phillips screws and the keepers that hold it in there and pull it out and check to make sure the cenrifugal advace in behind it is working freely also.

Be careful when you put that allen bolt back in too. The shaft it holds fits into a recess in the end of the crankshaft and there is a small pin to locate it properly. Be sure the shaft is properly seated in the recess and on the pin. I've seen some jack that up.

[Fix]

A bit of 3-in-1 and some crud seemed to break loose. It's nice and smooth now. Of course, I stripped one of the two steel screws holding the assembly in. No anti-seize on the steel to aluminum makes Mike a sad guy.

I'll let you guys know what the diagnosis is once I get it put together. Thanks again, guys. Owning this bike would be nothing but heartache if not for all the help I get here.

[Fix]

A quick trip to home depot netted me a new screw. Got everything back together and fired her up. For the first time I saw the pickups move when I revved the throttle. I think we've got a winner.

I'll post tomorrow after my test run.

Thanks again!

[Fix]

Everything seems to be running great now.

Thanks for all the help, guys.

[Bonz]

Great to hear! Another XS running as it should!

[GLoweVA]

Great to hear! Another XS running as it should!

And all because of the help and advice found here at this wonderful website!!

[Fix]

Yep, the only oddity now (other than some minor electrical with the brake light) is an odd ringing noise from the motor at certain RPM's It's not real loud, but it's strange. Almost like the sound a crystal glass makes when you rub your finger on it.

[Bonz]

I have a similar noise. Not a serious thing that I can think of though, as mine has always had it. It's a harmonic vibration that I pick up on once and a while.

BA80 gets a beer, he took you deeper into getting things apart, which yours needed for sure compared to just lubing, which was fine for mine.

[Fix]

I owe the lot of ya a beer.