Still no starting.

[BooG]

I have spark. I have compression (approx 175 psi in each cylinder). I have fuel in the carbs and cylinders. I have no startup at all...not even a stutter of ignition. Battery is performing valiantly (Oddessey),
Valve clearances are good... .10 at intake and .20 at exhaust, points set at .40....so what am I missing??  Driving me nuts!!

[Bob_Roller]

First observation that I have, is the compression reading .

When my bike was new, the compression was 145 psi .

Is your exhaust system open, I know it's a long shot, but your compression reading just seems way too high for this engine .

[BooG]

The gauge is an old one, and of questionable quality. It may well be giving false readings. How do I know if the exhaust system is open? Wouldn't it give a higher reading if it was shut off?

[Bob_Roller]

A crude method, is to hold your hands behind the muffler, while someone is cranking the engine over with the starter, you should get a good puff of air on each exhaust stroke .

If that seems normal, time to move on .

Seeing as you  have everything necessary to run the engine, fuel, spark, compression, is everything happening at the correct time ?

[BooG]

I haven't done the timing yet. I guess that'll be my next job. It'll have to be tomorrow though, coz London has gone to sleep and it won't thank me for cranking up!! Would the bean can be a possible culprit?
Thanks for your responses!

[Bob_Roller]

Again, a long shot, if the centrifugal advance mechanism in the 'beancan' was stuck in the full advance position, due to lack of lubrication, and/or rust, broken or missing return springs, ignition timing may be off .

No real good answers to your problem, just possibilities .

[BooG]

Is it possible to squirt some lube into the beancan? Is that an acceptable (albeit temporary) fix?

[Bob_Roller]

Members here, have done this, and had some positive results, I'm not familiar with the points type beancan, but on the electronic ignition, there is a small oval plate on the housing, and if I'm not mistaken, it is a press fit, after removing it, you have access to the advance mechanism .

[BooG]

That all sounds like a plan to me!
Thanks Bob.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Oval access plate on all bean cans.

Do you know your condenser (capacitor that sits on the side of the beancan) is good?


Go to this link, scroll down half-way (plus).  Look for the word 'before' in red highlighted in yellow: before

http://bmwmotorcycletech.info/ignitionsingleplug.htm

and read that paragraph.

[nhmaf]

I would also be ready with a spare set of points and condensor as a bad condensor will kill all hope of starting anything even if all is is perfect. and start with checking the static timing - look for the T or S in the timing window and verify that the points are in the proper position with the cam.   If that looks OK, proceed from there as proposed above.

[BooG]

I actually replaced the condenser as the first suspect! So there are new points and a new condenser in. New plugs, new leads, Dyna coil, and a big fat blue spark! Thats why I'm somewhat baffled! Great leads to follow however, and I'm on the case right now!

[BooG]

Have identified the timing marks on the flywheel. I have a line (OT). Below that is the recessed dot, and below that is the embedded sphere. I have lined up the OT line with the groove on the left hand side of the window: should my eyeline be level with the carb or up slightly to take in the angle of the viewing hole itself? It is quite obscurred no?!
However, the points do not appear to be opening at TDC. I have a light rigged up to two croc clips: one to earth, one to condenser terminal on the outside of beancan...no light when rotating. There dosen't seam enough adjustment in the beancan to take up the advance in the right direction. Something going on here...
First time I've done this stuff...........

[Barry]

Boo

Have you never been able to start the engine since your last thread?  If not you must be getting seriously fed up with it by now.

Given all that has already been covered the only new thing I can think of is the petrol. How old is it ?    Winter fuel at the pumps has a more volatile blend which starts more easily or alternatively a can of easy start might help.

[BooG]

Your telling me!!
I'm a stubborn git though, so she will run again. I think I'm on the right track with the timing thing. That was the only other variable that wasn't checked.  [smiley=stare.gif]