Hitchcocks Forum

Hi gents I am back again with the re occuring ampmeter problem ,when trying to get the ampmeter to swing just before TDC if I do not stare at the meter the swing is hardly noticable ,and also when the bike starts? there is no visible movement of the needle,any ideas.

Hi TAPER--------- oh dear !! STILL got that problem or did you cure it only for it to come back ?? Simple thing to start off with then----can you source and fit another ammeter known to be OK ?? Remember to disconnect the battery earth (neg) before you do this-----also the Ammeter is just a firm push-fit into a thin, rubber gasket. Some WD40-type oil will help loosen things up.

Hi Alan yes this is a re occurence of a problem with the ampmeter,it did work prior to the strip down/replacement engine but now any movement is very hard to detect,but is there only slight as opposed to definite movement,I have had a battery optomizer on for a while when the bike was stood ,any thoughts

Hi taper,I`m new on here because i`ve just bought a 535cc bullet export,my ampmeter shows max all the time and never checked it yet.
From what you say it sounds like your detecting the firing point at around t.d.c. (is this correct?)

Hi Jaffa my ampmeter has been somewhat erratic since I purchased the bike which is a 1965 350 bullet.thought I had sorted it after reparing the wiring,but the problem has re surfaced after fitting a new(re conditioned)engine,did have a problem with the magneto/alternator not aligning,eg no gap at all points when rotating,sorted this but still poor movement of needle swing on ampmeter.

Why are you concerned about the swing on the needle when it runs ok?

hi jaffa,just to clarify the swing of the ampmeter indicates points open and piston at TDC this gives me an idea when to kick to start the bike as oposed to kicking on the wrong stroke and wasting copious energy when the engine does not fire.

Hey Taper - I wouldn't worry too much about all this ampmeter business - they are notoriously inaccurate little devices. As you gently move the kick starter and find resistence THAT'S the compression stroke. So gently ease the engine over this with the valve lifter lever (you'll hear the engine 'breathing out') and then give the engine a swing. Simples!

Hi matey !!----------- our hosts have this for sale }---
PART No. DESCRIPTION PRICE
SPECIALAMMETER AMMETER, STD **NOT ILLUMINATED** £6.00
---------- at that price you could keep it in your toolbox as a test unit ??