Restoring spark

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:04 pm

Hmm...struggling with a 102 where the spark is non existent. The flywheel has seems magnetic enough, and the points are clean etc. I can the pulse of a current if I take the spark plug off the cap, stick my finger up there and turn the flywheel - so there's some life there - not enough to do oouch! yet.

So I read about the spinning drill trick on a nut on the top of the flywheel - but I just can't work out a safe easy method of attaching a socket to the drill. The FAQ says use the socket extension - well mine is 16mm across at the end you would have to attach to the drill, and the drill is 13mm (the normal chuck size). So how does anyone do it? Any ideas?

Thanks in expectation.

Keith.P · Post by **Keith.P** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:42 pm

Try using a reduction socket on it and then you can use a smaller extension size bar to attach to the drill.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Tue Feb 10, 2009 11:43 pm

http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/fo ... php?t=1022

Charles has a good link to what your require in this topic. I use a small bolt and filed off the opposing edges to fit the drive side of the socket.

Be a little weary as I had a near disaster with motor taking off and drill became stuck and trigger on drill clicked permanently on and serious wobble began and then motor dropped into gear...... I ran out of hands, so now I try and have someone available to pull the plug.

I also have concerns that often the socket stays on the flywheel nut when disengaging the drill and if the motor is starting for the first time you are loath to let it stop and there is the risk of socket flying off and hitting eye etc. To be honest this process gives me the heevie geevies.

Lucky there are no Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S as they are called in OZ) inspectors about, they would freak.

Hugo.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:22 am

I thought you took the spark plug out, I know I always have and there has never been a problem, can't accidentally start the motor with no plug.
I also cut the end off a socket extension, then it will fit the drill.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 7:47 am

True, but I've always considered that once it starts the magneto will charge up under its own steam so have always spun them up with petrol and plug. When it is able to idle you know the spark current is ok.

Hugo.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:01 am

a very dangerous practice to recommend, seeing the plug spark on the end of the lead out of the motor I thought was all that was needed, the seagull doesn't have a big spark.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 9:13 am

I couldn't agree with you more. But alas it is common practise to wind up a recalcitrant motor with a drill. Unfortunately it works so no doubt it will continue. A tragedy, I suspect, will happen.

Hugo

Post by **charlesp** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:01 am

If you're getting a jolt then that has to be a good start.

First things first, what sort of ignition have you got? Wipac, Villiers, or early Villiers with the domed top? And if Villiers what sort of points?

If you have the earlier Villiers points with the threaded bit with the lock nut (oh how I wish Charles and I had got the illustrated guide up and running!) then a smaller gap works better. British Seagull's workshop would set these early ones as close as 12 thou.

But the very first thing to do is to swap out the HT lead for a new one. If you're near Poole I'll lend you one. Many people put a new HT lead in before even starting to play with a motor, the copper can be decades old and the deterioration can be severe. A lead that meters up just fine may not support a spark.

The 'spinning up' trick is intended for a motor without a plug.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:13 am

12 thou, which would explain why my SD would start only when higher revs were applied ie drill. 20 thou would retard it too much. Thanks Charles.

Hugo.

Post by **Charles uk** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:20 am

There didn't seem to be a fixed rule on the points gap, start at 20 thou & work down until you get a good spark.

This only applies to the early Villiers mk 1 ignition with the coolie hat flywheel cover.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 10:37 am

Had a fang on my new friends bike,

http://www.buell.com/en_us/DWP/2008/XB1 ... lyear=2008

Scary, I'm getting too old for this, somehow I don't think she is going to appreciate my sedate seagull passion

Hugo.

chris · Post by **chris** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 11:32 am

yes you are right hugz people will still do it.
the buell is way to fast for me, my brother had a hyabusa and at the moment a ktm, he does like the seagulls as he likes british,
I own a 1987 yamaha srx600, it is a 600 single with only a kick start
i call it the beastie as it can be a beast to start, pity I couldn't use the drill on it but it is fun to ride

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Wed Feb 11, 2009 6:29 pm

Thanks everyone - I have ordered the socket extensions that fit on the drill - fantastic link! I will re-post when I have hopefully got the trusty 102 going again.

I had always assumed that the drill on the flywheel was done with the spark plug out!

I did once apply a drill to a yahama 2hp that was dead. It was a nasty experience when it took off with the drill still attached. The socket flew across the garage like a bullet! I won't try that again!!

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Thu Feb 12, 2009 7:26 am

chris wrote: I own a 1987 yamaha srx600, it is a 600 single with only a kick start

That could break your ankle!

Had a 500 single yammy, was a cow to fire with only kickstart too.

Hugo.

Hugz · Post by **Hugz** » Fri Feb 13, 2009 11:05 am

Yikes... friend is coming over in the morning with her Buell. Taking me for a ride... says I need a special helmet that supports the neck as wind resistance at 300k's can snap the spine.

Got to stop picking up fast women. Surely no bike with two up can go that fast. (I've got a horrible feeling that it will)

I'm way outa my league here!

Sharks in Sydney Harbour... childs play....

On a sane note, picked up a blue '79 century with cd ignition and n/f, sealed box, today.