Hitchcocks Forum

Hi its me again when trying to start my 350 bullet the ampmeter does not deflect to give an indication of TDC , the bike has a new battery and is fully charged,the points gap apears to be correct,any idea on the possible cause.

Have you checked the kill switch?

Does it still start?

I take it all was well before the new battery?
I'd guess a contact problem if so.
Switch the ignition on and turn on the indicator or pull the brake lever, the ammeter should deflect into the negative, ((as well as the appropriate light working), if not recheck the battery and all connections around there, earths and anything nearby you may have pulled loose or disturbed, take off the points cover also and verify that the CB is closing properly.

Sorry, to clarify, an electrical connection problem not contact as in contact breaker problem.

Does it have electronic ignition?

Scrub that last one, I didn't see it had points!

Come on taper...was Pale Rider's suggestion correct?....we've all done it for sure...many times!:)

Gentlemen----tut-tut!!----ammeter deflection from centre towards the negative side shows points have just closed (connecting the coil primary winding to earth---for max flux saturation )--and by-passing the capacitor.The moment the points then open --ie at ignition,-- will be at 0.75mm BEFORE TDC----not at TDC. I didn't think the 350 had an ignition "Kill-switch" ?? but a break in that supply wire will have the same effect....TAPER, you didn't say if there is a spark and if the bike still runs. Recently I changed the points on my Classic 500 and it wouldn't start ( Mr Spock logic saying therefore it must be something that I had just done OR not done !!)-- The plastic distributor cap is chrome plated and the inside of the cap had short circuited the l/t wires that are VERY close by. As soon as the cap was removed, BINGO !! Worth a try ???

thanks everyone for the sugestions,and just to clarify some points,the bike does still start ok,the kill switch is working ok,the problem was there before i changed the battery,I am now in the process of checking the wiring and earth contacts.