Broke down on way home from Work today...

[jgrabowski]

Be extremely careful when Troubleshooting spark with the sparkplugs out!I bought a brand new 1981 R65.IN 199? it died with the same symptons.I trucked it home.The BMW techs said it was one of 2 electronic modules uner the gas tank.I bought the most likely module
and replaced it temporarily.A tiny mounting screw popped out as I removed the unit.No problem??I had the sparkplugout anf grounded.
When I turned the motor over it seized.Luckily I pulled the LH cylinder head to find that screw jammed against the piston thru the spark plug
hole!Long story-Lost parts-It hasn't run since.It might have only been a common coil problem .I bought a running R65LS and mix/matched parts to get a running machine.                         JEG

[jg928s4]

Did same thing with a 66 bug years ago, air cleaner nut in the spark plug hole.

[wa1udg]

What's the dwell setting on 2 cyl  systems?  I still have a Griefkit dwell meter, don't use it much.  

[wa1udg]

I'd put a little grease on the rubbing block cam, what kind is open to opinion.  You don't want it flying off and getting on the point contact surface.  

[jg928s4]

Have white spark on left cylinder/front coil.  right was not as bright, so replaced left coil, still more of an orange spark.  Checking all conections between coils and grounds, they seem good?   It seems to want to start, but lots of popping and sputtering.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

You want a fat, blue spark at the plug.  Have you replaced the plugs yet?
How old are the plug wires / caps?

If you have the original wires, don't throw them away when you replace them - the ends that go into the coil are soldered on and are superior to anything else.  They can be reused by de-soldering them and soldering them onto a new set of (high quality) wires.

I get my wires (Part #23-2902) and caps from MikesXS supply: http://www.mikesxs.net/products-27.html#products
Fast service at a great price.  I have always used the 5K ohm cap (Part #23-3113) even though that is supposed to be for electronic ignitions.  I just like the cap that fits the threaded end of the spark plug is all.  The solid terminal ends of most all spark plugs are removable with a pair of pliers.
I use NGK BP7ES plugs in my bike.

Here is Duane Ausherman's article on points ignitions.   Read it - he knows his stuff.
http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/points/index.htm  

Another good source for ignition systems is Motorrad Elektrik: http://www.motoelekt.com/
He has a charging system book that I hear is great.  I don't know how much it delves into the ignition system, but you can always give Rick a call - he will be happy to answer any questions.

[jg928s4]

switched plugs side to side and other side now White vs. orange.  Will get new plugs.  Going on business trip, won't be able to get back to it until next weekend : (

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I would put in an order with Mikes for the wires & caps before you leave.  They will arrive before next weekend.

I usually get my plugs at a local Japanese bike dealer.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

If your plug wire caps look like these, they are suspect.  But the good news is, they are the originals with the good ends to be reused.



This picture is from eBay.  Don't waste your money.

[jg928s4]

My current have big black rubber end caps.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

My current have big black rubber end caps.

Good - that means you will most likely have the good tips that can be removed with a soldering iron and reused.

And if they are original, they are suspect.  New NGK caps are so cheap (and waterproof) that I used to replace mine every 3-4 years (when I was riding a lot) "just because".

[jg928s4]

My plug wires are like those found on ascycles in Roseville website.  What are thoughts on those plug wires?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

My plug wires are like those found on ascycles in Roseville website.  What are thoughts on those plug wires?

Do you have a link?  I've no clue.
Perhaps you could just take a picture of the ones on your bike and post it here.
If they are old, you should probably replace them.

[Bob_Roller]

It all depends on how long they've been in use on the bike .

[jg928s4]

they seem to be in good shape.  This type.  When back in town will add pictures.  Can I check them w/my meter?  I hate to just keep buying stuff until it works.  Was running perfect morning I went to work.