Well I've looked up lots of information on the location and fitting of the ignition coils on my A65 lightning.... And I've seen so many variations of their position on A65's that it seems that, as long as they are somewhere in the vicinity of the carb intake/s, you can stick em how you like.

With that in mind, and being comfortable with a degree of flexibility in build, the problem of brackets (shape and location) crops up.

The 'spares' book shows two brackets, 68- 9278/9, which might be for the coils or, according to some articles I've read, are for the side panels.

I'm best part of the way through making brackets out of thick alloy to do the job, but would be interested to know precisely what I ought to be using (and how they are fitted)?

Incidentally, in order to comply with the Boyer ignition system, I bought two 6 Volt ignition coils, which are slim in comparison to the originals- and have non P- shaped mounting brackets. (suggesting that I needn't worry too much about 'build accuracy)

Any suggestions would, as ever, be greatly appreciated......

Regards,
Dave.

Good morning,

The brackets look good but I imagine that the coils will sit a bit lower when finished.  It is possible to fit a thin pancake filter to a Mikuni but it is tight especially with the oil tank in place.  If you change to a twin carb head you will need to change the location of the coils.

Dave.

Not sure if this helps, but the stock BSA setup on my 1970 Firebird is off the top rear engine mounting bolt.

QuoteThe brackets look good but I imagine that the coils will sit a bit lower when finished.  It is possible to fit a thin pancake filter to a Mikuni but it is tight especially with the oil tank in place.  If you change to a twin carb head you will need to change the location of the coils.

Yeah Dave, I must admit that the thought of repositioning for a 'Clubman' build had occurred to me as I was sawing, filing and grinding the brackets- but I couldn't think of any other option......

That was until I saw the photo of Ian's mounting..... which looks like a good way to go..... Thanks Ian, I'll be looking into that method.....

The only worry I have about that method is how to avoid squashing the coils when tightening the whole thing up....

Thank for your help guys, it's much appreciated,

Dave.

I hope I don't cause offence here Ian but, after a lot of messing about with the central brackets set up, which definitely looks the neatest- but which I couldn't get to work for some reason (almost certainly Old age and being an 'eejit'), I decided to push on with the thick alloy  brackety job that I had started and have at last got the coils into the only position they would fit in.

I shall investigate the central bracket arrangement later..... (probably in the Summertime- when I can work on the bike with a bit of clearance around it (you wouldn't believe how little room I've got for working on it. (still, needs must)))

Thanks again for your help and suggestions guys.

Regards,
Dave.

Hi,

I think that you have placed the coils pretty much correctly for a single carb. set up as the filter fits in the space between them.  I am pretty sure that the mount that Ian posted would not work with a single carb.  The carb. is in the way as would be the filter.  With the twin carb set up the coils need to be centrally mounted to avoid the now flared out wards carbs. and their filters.
So the set up you have made looks like it is fine for a single carb but they may need to be lower than in your image if you are going to fit a filter.
Attached is an image of my 650 with 30mm Mikuni and filter fitted.  It is snug.

Dave.

As far as I'm aware, BSA fitted this setup to the later Royal Star and T'bolt too, but never changed the parts books to indicate this, as two part numbers were listed for the sidecover bracket (82-8291 Lightning & Firebird and 68-9340 T'bolt and Royal Star) The difference in part numbers being to accomodate the one vertical and one horizontal mounting for the coils for single carb models off of the sidecover bracket previously. If you then search for the dog leg brackets (as on my pic) they are listed as part numbers 82-8280 (LH) and 82-8279 (RH) and for all 4 models!! I think the fact that the coils can be adjusted to more than one angle with my setup means they can probably clear the airfilter on single carbs?  This is speculation on my part but I'm sure I've seen the same coil mountings as mine on a fellow BSAOC members 1970 Royal Star.

Well, to continue my making a mountain out of a mole hill- I've abandoned my nice shiny brackets and gone for an arrangement similar to what you guys have been pointing me at, all hanging off the rear frame bolt.

I'll paint it up and refit it.

Again, many thanks.

those rigid brackets are going to be subject to a lot of vibration. i personally would go for rubber mounting like the oil tank.

Quote from: EDDIE SIMPSON on 06 December, 2020, 23:47:06
those rigid brackets are going to be subject to a lot of vibration. i personally would go for rubber mounting like the oil tank.

Vibration on an A65 Eddie!! 

Hi,

Why not use the 'P' clips directly on the cross piece where you had your home made clips mounted.
This is how mine are done as per photo.  No bracket/clip failure in many thousands of miles.

Dave.

QuoteWhy not use the 'P' clips directly on the cross piece where you had your home made clips mounted.
This is how mine are done as per photo.  No bracket/clip failure in many thousands of miles.
Dave.

Yeah Dave, why didn't I?

Er, possibly cos I'm getting old and shouldn't be allowed to play with anything more complicated than a Lego set... (mind, some of those Lego sets can be complicated..... (but at least they have instructions))

Also 'cos, try as I might, I just couldn't pick up enough details in the shadows on your (otherwise excellent) photo......

Your solution (and testing) look obvious now and, having offered the 'P' clips up, looks highly do-able...... Thanks Dave.


Thanks a whole bunch for talking me through this simple (obviously I'm simpler) problem folks.....

Now take a coffee break before I throw my next 'Biggie' at you.....

Good morning,

Glad to be of some help.  The photo is a bit dark as it is a zoomed in part of a bigger image.  I am happy to retake a photo if needed.

Dave.

No need Dave, I've offered them up and it all looks good.... I've even sprayed em a nice shiny Black.

So once the paint dries (3 to 4 months...) I'll fit em up.

Next job, finding somewhere to fit the boyer ignition module and regulator/ rectifrier.....

Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. They really were appreciated.

Regards,
Dave.

Mines fitted with a modern, smaller battery. That then leaves enough room to fit a Harley coil with two ht outputs next to it. Measures about 3" x 4". That leaves enough room behind the carbs to fit an oil filter kit. Maybe not so good  for originality granted, but a practical solution methinks.