BSA 10 Plunger

[nfraser103]

Help wanted....

I have rebuilt a 1954 BSA 10 which was in someones  garage since 1972, but having huge problems getting it to re-start.  Are there any members in the West of Ireland (County Galway or Mayo) who may be able to come over and double check the various settings to help me get her running.  My hip isn't so good, so my ability to continually try kick starting it is a bit limited.

I fitted new big ends, rings, wiring, electronic ignition, tyres etc etc but she refuses to fire into life, so any physical help would be greatly appreciated, even for an hour. A push start may help.....

Thank you

Neil Fraser   Carnacrow Headford, Co Galway H91 PK20

[DAVE BRADY]

Hello Neil,

Welcome to the Forum and BSA ownership.  Too far away to pop over for an hour but a few simple questions as a check list for any situation when a bike will not start.
Is it firing at all?  Is fuel getting to carb and can you get it to flood using the tickler?  Is there a spark and in the right place?  Is the carb. completely clean especially the small air/fuel ways?
With electronic ignition the battery must be good and fully charged as some go fully advanced on a less than fully charged battery making it harder to start.

Dave.

[idie]

If it has been standing since 1979 there is a good chance that the magneto windings have got damp so loss or weak spark. Also clean the points as they scale up through lack of use. Check for spark it needs to be blue and jump about 1/4 inch if good not yellow and feeble.

[nfraser103]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for taking the time to get back. No, she refuses to fire or even backfire....

The carb is spotless and some new parts, fuel getting in fine with tickler, just re-set the timing so should be OK, spark is reasonable in daylight. Maybe I will try moving the timing on the electronic ignition and see what happens...

[nfraser103]

Hi Idie,

I fitted a brand new electronic ignition unit, plugs, coils, leads battery etc and spent quite a bit of time setting it up, but have some suspicions, hence why I asked for a possible visit for someone local to double check the settings...

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi,

What type of ignition do you have?  Assuming it is in a dummy mag. or is a mag. replacement then I think that looking at the points end it rotates clockwise.  If so then I think the righthand hole is the one to use to line up the pick ups. Might be worth checking.

Dave.

[nfraser103]

Hi Dave,

I bought the complete Wassall  Electronic Ignition System that replaces the magneto, according to their instructions, all BSA Unit Twins have Anti clockwise rotation and set for 34 degree BTDC which is how I set it up. 

But, from your comments and looking at the unit from what was the old points area, the electronic rotor unit actually rotates clockwise - maybe it depends on which way you look at the Magneto / Electronic Ignition unit...

[Dean Southall]

I hope to be passing your way sometime this year when I do the end to end run. Can't say when though but if you are still having problems I'd be happy to pop in and take a look (and get dry!)

[nfraser103]

Hi Dean,

Many thanks for the offer of help.  There are some amazing places to see and it's only wet 95% of the time, see attached some suggestions.  Ashford Castle is only 20 mins away and amazing.

[DAVE BRADY]

Hi Neil,

The unit twins refers to A65/A50 so it could be that you are setting the timing after TDC rather than before TDC.  The 34º is close enough for the bike to run quite well.

Dave.

[nfraser103]

Ahhh,  That's a bit different all right.  I'll get the spanners out tonight and change that over...  Thanks  Neil

[idie]

If you have a unit for an A65 the triggering setup could be wrong for an A10, the advance curve would be in the wrong place. Check that you actually have a spark if you have it might run after a fashion.

[Dean Southall]

Hi Neil,

The unit twins refers to A65/A50 so it could be that you are setting the timing after TDC rather than before TDC.  The 34º is close enough for the bike to run quite well.

Dave.

My most memorable time out west was getting stranded on Clare Island cos the sea got too lively for the ferry and spending the night in the lighthouse.

[nfraser103]

I spend a considerable amount of time re-setting the electronic ignition timing, to ensure it was exactly correct, re-charged the battery and double checked the carb settings, but to no avail, she just doesn't want to start or even fire.  If any BSA members live in the West of Ireland, their visit to Headford Co Galway would be warmly welcomed to try push-start the bike or just re-check the setup.

Thanks in advance  Neil Fraser

[paulm]

I will be in Galway / tuam from the 6th Aug if thats any help