BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Twins => Topic started by: wardy on 12 Feb, 2023, 18:31

Title: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: wardy on 12 Feb, 2023, 18:31
Hi All

I've fitted a Wassell/Vape ign set to my 71 Lightning but no sparks. Wiring seems correct, power/earth OK, voltage OK but no sparks. It worked with the conventional contact breakers so coils are OK I think. Is there a simple way of testing the unit itself?

Thanks
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: Spaceman on 12 Feb, 2023, 19:34
I don't know about this particular electronic ignition system but with the other ones I looked at it is just a question of touching the ignition module trigger wires together and then opening them approx once per second which should generate a spark.

If you put a DVM set on Amps between the ignition module and the coil(s), you should see a primary current being generated which will be ~3A.
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: wardy on 13 Feb, 2023, 12:29
Thanks will try that!
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: wardy on 20 Feb, 2023, 11:23
Not a peep both sides. Ordered a new one. Thanks
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: Spaceman on 21 Feb, 2023, 11:49
I've just read the instructions for the Wassell/Vape IE system which shows it's operation and set up are more or less the same as the Boyer-Bransden and Pazon systems I had previously looked at. In principle, for a twin cylinder set up, these IE's need 2 x 6 V coils wired in series because they use the same electronic module for both single and twin engines and so the 2 x 6 V coils needed for the twins give the same primary resistance as 1 x 12 V coil used on the single. In this case, it sounds as though you are using 2 x 12 V coils although the Wassell/Vape instructions appear to imply this should still work - although probably with a weaker spark.

The Wassell/Vape instructions don't appear to offer a simple way of testing the system. In lieu of 2 x 6V coils, it might be worth testing the system using just one of your 12 V coils as per the diagram below. If this is new IE, I would definitely double check the wiring diagram and make sure you have the RED earth wire connected to the coil(s).
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: Spaceman on 21 Feb, 2023, 11:52
And the diagram:
Title: Re: Wassell/Vape ign system no spark
Post by: wardy on 13 Mar, 2023, 15:19
Thanks all. Still no joy, won't even spark across one coil

Have crimped connections which all seem sound, may have to try soldering them and see if that improves anything