Very low spark on 102 model AC

[winter]

Hi,

Our 102 model AC had not any spark in the beginning.
After cleaning up the points of the Villiers Ignition and correcting the distance between the points to 0,20 mm (is that correct?) and a fresh sparkplug we got a very light spark, not enough to get the engine running.

Could this happen because of the concensator and if so, how can we recognize that.
Or are there other possibilities?

Evert Winter
Hasselt, Netherlands

[Keith.P]

I had the same problem on another motor not long ago, your best option would be to test the coil first, once that is found to be OK, then you can fix any other problem.
The condenser is located under the points and is still available if needed, but if your coil is duff, there is no point.

[Charles uk]

The points gap is 0.020" or 0.50mm.

[winter]

No point means that there is no solution?
And OK, we will change the gap to the right 0,50 mm.

[1650bullet]

Try resetting the point gap first. 20 thou. And then try resetting the points to 10thou if its no good on the 20thou gap. Dont ask why but if you close the gap up a bit it does make a bigger spark. It does say in the forums FAQs section that anything from 10 to 30 thou. It depends on the motor and owner. If still a problem give your coil a test.

This youtube clip is a good giude on how to test a villiers coil. Its not a seagull motor but its running the same ignition.

http://youtu.be/7l-bXz9FBf0

[winter]

Thanks to all for the advices.
Next week I will work it out.
Let you know the results.

Right now we are working on a 1936 Johnson model 200.
Hard to start but it worked after cleaning tank and carb.
Wow, that sound and the smell of the exhaust.
Our concern is now the cooling.
So we are busy enough at the moment.
Bybthe way, does anyone know the oilmix? Is it 1:10?

[1650bullet]

Yes its 10-1.

[rustbucket]

This youtube clip is a good giude on how to test a villiers coil. Its not a seagull motor but its running the same ignition.

http://youtu.be/7l-bXz9FBf0

I think it's an even better guide to replacing a failed coil with one of the (much cheaper) 19373 "short" coils .
Which happens to be very timely , as I'm in the midst of doing that right now .
Note the little copper contact patch he soldered on , for the high tension lead ...........

Tom , grateful for the guidance

[Keith.P]

I did one yesterday, as I wanted a spare.
But I did have to make spacers as its a smaller coil, haven't tried it yet.
Video is using a universal coil with a brass tag, seagull one's have a button, but the universal one can still be used.

[Stelios_Rjk]

You should have some serious fun removing those 2BA screws
Yesterday I tried to remove a nut that holds the HT lead wire and the screw snapped. Silly me, I didn't realize the torque that I applied. And the joy began. I couldn't apply as much heat as I wanted as the coil is good. In the end I drilled, taped and replaced the screw.

[rustbucket]

You should have some serious fun removing those 2BA screws

Do you mean the little flat head screws, that are part of what's holding the iron blocks to the base plate ?
Those are a bear to get out- mine wouldn't budge with a regular screw driver, even well soaked with penetrating oil.
Out of desperation, I finally tried my cordless impact driver, with a straight bit - One brief shot each, and they were loose !

[sassi232]

If the engine has not been used for some time,remove spark plug,find a socket that will fit the dome nut and spin the motor with an electric drill at medium speed for 2 or 3 minutes and this will re-magnetise the flywheel magnets. Clean points and plug gap etc with fine emery paper and you should get a nice fat spark.
All this info. is on this site!

[Keith.P]

No amount of spinning the flywheel with a cordless drill will re-energise a dead coil with no continuity.

[Charles uk]

Or remagnetise the magnets, but it might erode some corrosion off the faces of the points wether by spark errosion or by physical contact.

You will be suprised how often a "dead coil" will spring back into life after a second or third points cleaning & gapping.