Hitchcocks Forum

Hi all,

Recently got myself a 2000 model 350 bullet. It needed a tidy up but it ran. So i've given it a good strip and clean but nothing to technical.

Anyway, now the spark has become intermittent so it won't fire. It will spark on its first kick but then nothing at all after that. The battery is good, lights etc all work fine.

Any ideas what The issue could be?

Lack of spark is a symptom which can only be diagnosed through a series of logical tests..

Sometimes its the first test you try sometimes its the last thing on the list but sooner or later it will be found..

Heres a not exhaustive list that you can you can start from either end, peeps may add suggestions..

Kill switch is on position if fitted..

You could check the primary connections on the coil, tight and clean.

Wouldn't hurt to measure voltage input at coil, 12.7vdc or more would be healthy..

Check resistance across primaries, 1-3ohms if memory serves.

Check resistance secondary (HT plug wire connection) to earth about 6-15 Kohms

Check voltage at wire connected to points (ignition on) 12.7vdc..

With voltage confirmed and the points closed then opening the points with a finger nail or cocktail stick should produce a spark at the plug..

If not then could be condenser failure, best tested by substitution, or main earth frame to battery breaking down..

Gwilly's list is spot on. To me it sounds like condenser failure as I just had the same symptoms with a newly rebuilt Interceptor. Our Hosts replaced the new but faulty units. It's worth reminding that condensers can fail with age, even in the box if not stored correctly.

REgards, Mark

Thanks both for the advice. I decided to retrace the wiring and check all the connections and discovered the connection from the ht lead into the coil was very dirty and poor. Cleaned it up and she sparked great so all running now.

On another note, this is the first time i've had the bike running for any period of time and noticed that when it is running the ammeter needle goes very slightly into the green side of the meter - at about the 1oclock position. Is this normal or does it signify some issue?

That`s about normal; it means the battery is being charged. When the indicator stays to the left, then start to worry.