Won't Go

[Steve.S]

When you substituted the black box, did you substitute the coils as well?
I wonder if it could be anything to do with battery voltage? What does the voltage go down to when you switch the ignition on with the coil being fed by the sensor?

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

From what you have said the valve timing is fine and you have a spark that is probably timed correctly or at least close enough for the engine to try to fire.
So the only other fundamental is fuel.  As mentioned re-clean the carbs and specifically the pilot jets. 
Can you try bump starting the bike?  Sometimes extra spinning of the engine and increased suction can get things moving.
Failing that, where about do you live?  Perhaps some 'hands on' assistance will help.

Dave.

ps. Just another thought, probably a fuel issue but have you used the correct 'hole' to set the timing?  The idler gear to which the points/triggers are mounted turns anti-clockwise so if I remember correctly it is the left hand hole that is used to set the timing.

[chaz]

I set the A50 up on left plug hole.

you seem to be concentrating on fuel. have you checked that the engine is earthing through the frame ok? Also , that the connectors are all sound?
I solder the ends of the wire and solder to the crimps before crimping the plastic. Likewise the black box, is that earthing where it is supposed to.

[LIONELSMITH]

Rob
To start an A65 my information and only recent  experience is they start better with no choke, it says add choke when started if needed. Also there are clues to a fuel issue.
Certainly check the pilot jet as that is used to start the bike and if you are using air filters take those off. Try with the pilot jet and throttle stop screws 1 1/2 turns out to start with.

I have had starting problems too and mine, once every else is checked is usually carbs.
Good luck

[rhyatt]

You could try leaving your battery charger connected to your bike and turned on to ensure a decent voltage whilst trying to start.
I think you've checked for sparks whilst kicking , but that's with the plugs laying on the head and not under compression.
Unscrew the plug cap from the ht lead and wedge the ht lead between the fins , spark should jump 1/4" and good blue crack.
Establish that 1st and go from there.

[Marcus.E]

I know my a65 is really picky on the plugs. Refused to start with new ngk b7es.. Nice sparks against the fins but no. Switched back to the old one step colder/harder Champion n3c's and started right away. Sounds like bs and I think it's weird but that's how it is. So now it's n3cs all the way for me!

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

NGK B7s in both of my A65s and will run on B6 which may actually be better with ethanol fuels.  The difference should only really be when the plug is at working temp. rather than for starting.  If the plug sparks the engine should start if there is fuel and the timing is close to perfect.

Dave.

[Marcus.E]

Hi,

NGK B7s in both of my A65s and will run on B6 which may actually be better with ethanol fuels.  The difference should only really be when the plug is at working temp. rather than for starting.  If the plug sparks the engine should start if there is fuel and the timing is close to perfect.

Dave.

You're right Dave, it should start with either. Swapped them several times and it just wouldn't start with those particular NGK's. Maybe they were faulty or something, although with that simple plug to cylinder test they seemed to have a nice spark. Didn't care to investigate any further since it runs good on the champions and I'm not sponsored by NGK 

[Edwards]

Morning just come across this thread I have had similar problems with NGK plugs and exchanged for a different brand for the same reasons.  There is a lot of counterfeit plugs branded as NGK even the boxes look same but they are imported rubbish there's a slight difference if I remember stampings on the metal body isn't correct  . I went to local motor factor bought an equivalent set of plugs and it started  with a few kicks and been fine since
JUST A WORD OF WARNING
Regards Mark .

[V500]

If you Google counterfeit NGK plugs there's a page which highlights how you can spot iffy copies.

[Marcus.E]

If you Google counterfeit NGK plugs there's a page which highlights how you can spot iffy copies.

That's great!

[Rob Neal]

Today has been one to remember.  The A65 actually fired up and ran!!  After taking pity my friend Martin came over and we gave the bike a thorough talking to.  Well, OK, we eventually traced the problem back to the carbs.  They wouldn't flood consistently when 'tickled' so there seemed to be a problem with fuel flow.  This is despite umpteen runs through the ultrasonic cleaner, new float needle, cleaning out the pilot with piano wire etc. All this caused me to dismiss an ongoing fuel problem. I was wrong of course! Whatever we managed to do today it's now going.  Decided that the slides are quite sloppy in the bores so will try and 'borrow' some new ones to see if its the slides or bodies (perhaps both) that are worn.  If it's the bodies then I'll need to invest in new carbs.  Stick with the Amals or go for Japanese? Will browse the forum to see what advice has already been posted. Thanks for everyone's help during this saga. it's been much appreciated.  Rob

[cornishbob]

i broke down in my car many years ago.
luckily i was in the AA
he arrived and looked and hummed and ha'ed and tinkered and fiddled.
after a while the guy asked me to turn the key...started first time
'what was it? what did you do?' i asked
'SH*T in the carb' he answered
as i drove off i just couldn't understand why SH*TTING in the carb sorted the problem but i'm glad it did

...the old 'uns are always the best. i'll get me coat

[Rob Neal]

The A65 was eventually persuaded to fire up which is a great relief.  We thought it would be something simple and in the end it was.  Tu=rns out it's the carbs (Amal 930) at fault.  Despite several ultra sonic cleaning sessions, new jets, floatt needles etc etc as well as poking wires down the pilot jet and blowing through theres not enough fuel flowing. ~Ther slides are also sloppy in the bores.  So a refurb of the existing carbs or new ones should sort it.  Thanks for your help on this everyone, much appreciated.  Rob

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

If the budget can stretch to it get new ones.  No matter how much you clean them worn ones will never be as good.  Over time the small fuel and air passages get worn and cannot be fixed.

Dave.