Ahh yes I know that story real well... a little knowledge is a dangerous thing !
it is surprising how bad a back yard mechanic can screw something up in the attempts to "Fix it"....
.... on one of my Honda 90cc bikes I got in a basket the guy lengthened out the slots in the points plate so he could turn the points plate and change the timing.... why he thought that was necessary I have no idea !?!?!?!
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....I timed the engine and cleaned the carb and got it running great ...he also set the valve tappets to about 1/8" and I have no idea why !
hard to figure the reasoning of some people !
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Bob...