VISA,
MC, AMEX, Discover
Checking for Spark
Checking for Spark on a Coil, Points, and Condenser System
Most people replace the coil first because it is easy to replace,
but
seldom the problem. Below are a few tech tips to help determine
the issue.
1) Check the gap of your plug and/ or install a new plug to
eliminate
the plug as an issue in the system-- gap 35-40 /1000th on
the new plug.
2) Remove cap from wire- wire should be able to arch a spark
approx 1/4
to 1/2 when held near the cylinder or cylinder head.
3) Check all grounds or bypass grounds- Mopeds, like older Tomos
mopeds, do most of the grounding thru the rear taillight housing.
Ground the
blue wire to bypass this system on older Tomos Models and others to
elimate this ground issue.
4) Just because you have lights DOES NOT mean that the ignition is
good--- lighting coil is a separate system and does not involve points
and condenser.
You will need a test
light probe to
test for a pulsed signal from the black trigger wire that
comes from the magneto to the coil.
-This pulsed signal indicates that the points
and
condenser are correctly functioning. If there is no signal or a
constant light on the test light pencil,
you will need to remove
the flywheel and
clean ( emory board and electrcial contact cleaner work best) or
replace
points and replace condenser.
Pullers, points
and condensers are
listed at
our Points/Condenser Page
4) Use threaded center puller to remove the flywheel as
these a balanced precision item and a gear puller can bend or
distort the the flywheel rendering it useless.
5) Adjustment
-Point gap setting at 15-18/1000th
-Timing adjustment by rotating
the stator plate - only 2-3 degrees of adjustment are possible and
typically in the middle of the adjustment is closest to proper timing.
For the
enthusiast, typically points should open
about 2 degrees before top dead center.
