Starting problems

[pedro]

Thank you all very much for all your help, I think I am getting there now, Pauls comment about the original electric starter cranking the engine but not fast enough to start it got me understanding what was needed, quite different from anything I have ever owned, and that would make a long list. One thing though Corsaro Chris, with NLM's latest ignition setup a fat spark is not something you will find. Anyone got a cure for a heavy clutch? I did about 100 miles today down to the Pioneer run and I was glad to get home. Pete.

[EVguru]

NLM's ingnition setup is mostly an improved pickup design. Its main advantage (apart from not being 30 odd years old) is a more consistent idle. Their ignition box is really just the same circuit as Morini used originally, but with all new and better tollerance components. They've tweaked some of the values to change the advance curve a bit. If you've got a weak spark, then it has to be down to either the stator coil, or a weak alternator rotor.

If the clutch is heavy, then something is wrong. Take a look at the cable condition and routing. Sometimes road dirt/salt will find its way down the cable and cause stiffness, creaks and juddering. I have lubricated with Duck oil, but some lined cables will react to the oil. Venhill do a PTFE lined cable, but I've stopped buying Venhill cables because of poor quality control (inner too long/short, nipple pulled straight off!). Making my own is cheaper too.

[alan j]

Hi, Pete!-I found a Morini at Hands Cross-but not you-it was "Morgans Morini"-but he was nowhere to be found! At Brighton I found another 500 Morini and owner-a lapsed club member-I think he knows you! I did almost 300 miles and was as "fresh as a daisy" when I got home! [I lie!]

[72degrees]

NLM's ingnition setup is mostly an improved pickup design. Its main advantage (apart from not being 30 odd years old) is a more consistent idle. Their ignition box is really just the same circuit as Morini used originally, but with all new and better tollerance components. They've tweaked some of the values to change the advance curve a bit. If you've got a weak spark, then it has to be down to either the stator coil, or a weak alternator rotor.

I really must get round to trying the NLM pickup I have ready (after an abortive attempt with an early reject one) but mine's going so well on their ignition box and an OEM red pickup that I'm reluctant to fix it when it's not broken Perhaps I'll put it on in readiness for Cadwell.

[pedro]

Alan J, That was my bike at Handcross, very sorry I missed you, must have been chinwagging somewhere or drooling in Verralls, she started first kick that morning and second kick when I came to leave, went out there this evening and it took about 14 goes to get her running, just when I thought I was getting on top of it. Interesting thread from Paul re. the fat spark, this bike has not got one, a very fine, almost invisible spark which Alex assures me is quite normal. Confused or what. Pete

[EVguru]

A CDI spark is always going to look weak compared to an inductive system. If it will jump a 5mm gap, then it's a 'fat' spark.

[Ned]

I've just posted exactly the same problem in the 3.5 forum!! The old style pick up has a magnet in it and I wonder if that generates a bit of extra current?

[EVguru]

I've just posted exactly the same problem in the 3.5 forum!! The old style pick up has a magnet in it and I wonder if that generates a bit of extra current?

The new pickup also has magnets, but they're in the sensor coils, rather than in the rotor. In any case, it only provides a trigger voltage to fire the CDI.

The ignition coils that NLM use are the same ones I used on my 250 2C and that was a very easy starter. I buy them from BTH Magnetos.

[peterc]

"Also EVX plugs do make enough of a difference to justify the extra cost in my experience."
Thanks for the heads up on these plugs, having used them for a couple of weeks now have to agree they are well worth the extra. I'm getting easier starting, a more reliable tickover (and at lower rpm), and nice crisp response. Loverly