BSA Owners' Club Workshop Discussions

The BSA Workshop => Singles => Topic started by: hoogerbooger on 13 Jun, 2018, 19:25

Title: no spark at kick over
Post by: hoogerbooger on 13 Jun, 2018, 19:25
I can get a blue yellow spark by manually opening the points, but it isn't sparking when I kick it over.

battery is new and fully charged ( 6.4v without load) . Spark plug gap set at 0.6mm

The points gap looks ok  maybe a little tight ( using 0.35mm feelers).

If I slowly kick it over  the cam turns and points open and close. When I kick over with the plug resting on the head there is no spark at plug or points, but if I push open the points I get a strong spark at the plug and smaller spark at the points.

Not sure what to do now ? any suggestions as to what may be wrong
Title: Re: no spark at kick over
Post by: JulianS on 13 Jun, 2018, 20:47
I would check points condition and gap.

Also would try swapping the condenser, too much spark at points means dodgy condenser.
Title: Re: no spark at kick over
Post by: hoogerbooger on 14 Jun, 2018, 13:23
I will replace, but points look fine from inspection in-situ, certainly no sign of burning. Condenser fixing point looks a tad loose, but sleeve screw too mashed to tighten or remove it. So won't do until I have replacements.

On closer inspection I do have some spark at the plug on kicking over, but looks weak and erratic. I don't understand why it would be a strong spark when I manually part points ? but weak when kicked over ? Doesn't the  strong spark on manual opening suggest the condenser is fine ? Could it simply be too narrow a points gap ? (would just adjust to check, but can't currently !)