Saving Old Seagulls

So i cleaned off the points and spun it with a drill and while doing so i noticed a spark at the points every now and then...but i have nothing at the plug. I put it away yeaaars ago running so im kind of lost.Im going to buy a new lead,but is there anyways its from the points to the lead that I am losing spark? figured I would ask you guys before removing the flywheel.

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Is that West Palm Beach ?

We need some more information about the engine and beter still some pictures.

Serial number will let us know the type of ignition.

Thanks

H-A

sjp 1978b4

oh and yes west palm beach.my grandfather ot me this motor as my first when I was a kid,really want to get it going again.

SJP has a Villiers magneto, I would say for trouble free future use, replace the coil and condenser. If the points are too badly pitted to resurface then replace them as well.

If it is sparking well at the points then you may well get away with just replacing the condenser, but I would replace both.

The coil can be tested, and may be OK. You can measure the resistance of the windings, there is a good video on youtube of how to do that.

What ever you are going to do you will need to remove the flywheel.

Keep us posted.

H-A

I just read the villiers coils are hard to come by?
I already took off the flywheel got the whole ignition off except for the magneto due to those stupid flat head bolts on the under side.
I will at least put on a new condenser.

You can get replacement coils http://www.villiersparts.co.uk/

But it could be quite expensive to get them shipped to the US.

Email george he will be able to supply the bits that you need.

The AOMCI special interest group leader in the US for British Seagull is Rick Anderson (oldmocco@aol.com) you could email him, he might have a better supplier.

H-A

condenser ordered,thanks for the help. I will let you know if it does the trick.

Replacing the HT lead would be a good move, you would be surprised how many of these deteriorate.

frkyone.
I am going to be in the Fort L area next week. Be happy to meet you and have a look at your Seagull if you would like. PM me if interested in getting together
Michael

had the same issue with my century plus and fitted a new ht lead but no joy...i cleaned the coil output terminal where the ht rests and alls well now