Hitchcocks Forum

Electra x 2007. Engine turns over but does not start. Put spark plug on Cylinder head and i do not get a spark. Is that tested right? (Thread earthed on Cylinder Head??) - All connecions ok. (Cleaned, checked)!!.....All fuses ok!! Looking at other threads i think it might be TCI unit or the HT coil but before i replace 1 (or both) thought i'd ask for any thoughtsadvice!

First check the kill switch, we've all done it... usually in front of plastic rocket brigade.grrrrr
You say you've checked fuses etc... did you use a multimeter to check for 12 volts before and after fuses,switches etc, its the surest way to track it down.... gwilly

It starts - (Ie. The engine turns)just no spark - Will try and test HT ignition coil with multimeter. Don't know if it is the Regulater/rectifier or TCI unit either!.....Never used a multimeter so i'm not confident i'll spot a problem even if i find it!!!!...................Anybody know a good Vehicle electrician in Stourbridge/Dudley??

Hello LEE B--------- we just might get to meet up yet !!......It does sound like the "Kill" switch isn't making contact ie is still open circuit...OR you have an open circuit somewhere along the L/T feedwire... On my Bullet 65 a few years back I had a similar thing that required me to check through the wiring diagram, which showed that the switch was basically just a break in the L/T feed to the H/T coil....See if you can by-pass the switch somehow....

Is the side stand down? the engine will spin but there will be no spark if it is. If it's up then a faulty side stand switch will cause the same. Break the green wire at the bullet connector in front of the battery. This disconnects the switch in case of a fault.

Frank - No i'm not that bad (though i NEARLY dropped the bike starting it while the stand was UP and checking for a spark!!....DOH!!). Will try the disconnect option (didn't know you could get away with that) and test. Thanks!!.....Can't see it being the kill switch as the engine wouldn't 'turn over' at all if that was on and i would suspect the same if it was faulty.

hi lee,you could check that the connections from the wires from the alternator and spark trigger are getting a good conection you will find these on the wires coming out of the primary case,also check the ht lead is making a good contact to the coil & plug cap also electras don,t like dodgy spark plugs if youve altered the gap this could be the cause ,try a new plug cheapest options first ,atb paul

Lee,
If the kill switch is on or a broken wire on it, it only kills the spark, the vmotor will still crank

Lee just try another spark plug. I suffered the same thing. Starting became more and more difficult until in the end it wouldn't for no apparent reason. I tried another plug out of desperation and it sparked like a goodun! I saw a thread on here about the plug being contaminated by the additives in low lead petrol I think it lead to the Green Spark Plug Co. Bought a new plug and now run it on super unleaded and starts easily every time now.
Good luck Pete