I’m not familiar with the spark advance mechanism used on the 175C and I’m question if mine is sticking or is this normal. It does not return via the small extension spring when I actuate it by hand. It stays in whatever position I leave it.
My concern is that I had a crank seal fail which left my flywheel operating in an oil bath. I’m amazed that it didn’t foul the points, but it didn’t. The bike actually ran with the flywheel sloshing oil.
So I have replaced the seal and want to check timing. Hence the reason I asking about the advance mechanism. I am concerned that the oil bath may have made it “sticky”. Or is it proper to act that way “in-hand” but when installed centrifugal force makes it behave properly.
Below, is from the 1976 Yamaha DT175C Service Manual. I would not worry, it is working as intended. Set to the fully advanced position, set timing, and re-assemble.