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Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 15:32
by Archie Adv
The following items have been checked on NLM rig and passed as serviceable.
1. Flywheel – Checked magnetism – ok
2. Alternator windings – checked charging and lights windings ok.
2a. Ignition coil - rewound.
3. Regulator – unserviceable - replaced.
4. Ignition switch unserviceable – replaced.
5. Pickup unit - ok
6. Transducers – checked ok.
7. New battery fitted.
8. New spark plugs.

So, having had all of these checked or replaced I was hoping I would now get a spark at the plugs - I’m feeling a bit deflated..!! Nothing absolutely Nada. I carried out all the relevant checks again and again etc – Still No Spark...!!

I go back through all aspects and then I find that the timing seems suspect. Setting the front cylinder to TDC and the flywheel timing mark at PMS1 at the mark on the crankcase I wanted to check the tappets but find no gap at the tappets/rocker arms. I check it all again thinking I’ve got it wrong it’s been a while since I’ve done this on an old bike so check and check again working on the measure twice cut once principle. Results are still the same. Front cylinder rockers are still tight. So working on the KISS principle (Keep it simple Stupid) I think okay check the rear cylinder. Yes..!! it appears the engine has been set up on the wrong stroke but okay it should still send a spark to the plugs. Anyway I recheck both cylinders and adjust the tappets to the required .010mm.

Continuity checks throughout – All wires connected in accordance with wiring diagram or diagrams supplied by NLM on new parts fitted. I’m at the point where I’m considering taking the bike once complete to NLM for them to look at but I hate the thought of such a simple machine beating me or the collective knowledge from this forum. So back to my dilemma! Does anyone have any useful hints or tips as to what I might be missing or what the problem might be?

All pointers, piss takes and anything else that might help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks again.
Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 16:16
by dunk 1
I had some similar issue a while back - if you can check through my post titled ignition issues -i had lost one cylinder and replaced pick up with the nlm one (after some terrible soldering on the old one by me) and got no ignition at all - a few years previously the stator had been rewound and the transducer replaced.i had gone through the electrics and found nothing so thought it must be the transducers so sent them to be checked. they were returned as checked and fine -but still wouldn't start. I was getting ready to give up but decided I had already had lots of ignition woes and everything else was either new or refurbished so I would buy the nlm transducer replacement anyway . It started straight away -All I can think is that the transducers were at their effective limit and worked on the testing rig in ideal conditions but when put on an old bike with lots of other variables it was another story. hope you get yours sorted soon -Duncan

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 16:38
by Archie Adv
Thanks Duncan, I'll keep at it and see what transpires. I have a few more days before I collect my paintwork items from respray so have time to
come up with a solution even if it is new transducers. Thanks for the pointers.
Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 18:11
by mad muller
if the bike is fitted with a kill switch, mine has one , i would disconect it , it could be faulty, check the wires to ignition switch are correct having replaced the parts you have listed it should spark, best of luck. muller.

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 18:20
by Archie Adv
Thanks Muller,
No kill switch and I've been working on the premise that the ignition switch double as kill switch.
Rgds Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 13 Sep 2016 18:39
by EVguru
When I have a bike turn up with no spark, I break it down to the most basic setup.

Pull all green wires from the fuse panel.

Connect the green wire from the alternator directly to the ignition boxes.

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 07:33
by Archie Adv
Thanks Paul, I do like your straight forward words of wisdom and logic.
Cheers
Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 08:36
by Archie Adv
Paul,
Further to your direction above and in conjunction with a tip from Robert (tankstraddler), that worked well and I now have a strong blue spark... Result.

It only remains now to determine if there is/was a fault between the fuse box and ignition switch. Feeling more confident now. ;-) :D

Thanks to everyone who responded on this one.

Regards
Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 12:18
by Paz2112
This forum needs a THANKS button.

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 14:44
by Archie Adv
Paz,

Is that a general observation? Or, a crafty wee dig at me? If the former then I agree! However, if the latter I did say thanks to all who responded.
Archie

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 16:56
by Paz2112
:shock: Honestly it is a general comment. I genuinely think that THANKS buttons are a good idea on forums to allow members to give out a thanks when that is the feeling they wish to convey. :D I was not taking a dig at anyone and no offense intended. :|

Re: Electrics & Timing Dilemma

Posted: 14 Sep 2016 21:04
by Archie Adv
No problem, no offence taken. I agree it would be a nice addition but then again a personal thanks works equally. :)
Archie