1971 honda cl175 twins

[alpat]

  I am going to install points in my CL175.  When I removed the alternator cover to expose the timing mark, crancase oil started dripping out.  Is this normal or do I have a serious problem since the cycle has been dormant for about 10 or 12 years.
                           Thanks

[L.A.B.]

Normal for that type of bike I think.

[hmmmnz]

there is an oil seal on the cam shaft. time for a new one
available from http://www.davidsilverspares.co.uk for
£3.25
number 13

[L.A.B.]

there is an oil seal on the cam shaft. time for a new one

Alpat's question was about oil in the alternator housing though, which as far as I know is quite normal.  

[hmmmnz]

lol, whoops yeah perfectly normal
sorry my bad

[alpat]

If this is normal then my next question is how do I use a timing light to check timing since the motor has to be running and it will be spewing oil??  The manual describes a static timing.  Does this mean I cannot use the timing light?

[L.A.B.]

The strobe checking can still be done, but expect some oil to splash when the engine is revved, so it pays to keep each check as brief as possible each time.

I have a Triumph Trident and that has the alternator running in the engine oil, and revving it up to check the ignition timing (5000 RPM being necessary with some electronic ignition systems) can be a rather messy business!