Forum

[simon]

True a cigarette paper is good but with a battery and coil you can also use a 6v bulb wired either side of the points that will light when they open. 7/16" before TDC will get you running and should be about right for a 500cc single but you can experiment between 1/2" and 3/8". You'll soon work out if it's too advanced as it will pink when you apply load and if it doesn't idle nicely in the retarded position or is a bit sluggish and rich it might be too retarded. Remember that you need to set the timing on the compression stroke. Putting your thumb over the plug hole should tell you when that is either that or take of the tappet cover so you can see that both the valves are shut. The other lever will be a choke but with an old Amal carb the lever lifts the choke slide out of the way so pulled up tight for off. This can be a bit counter intuitive if you are used to cars or other bike carbs.

[DAL]

Alan R - That is exactly what my bike looks like, in fact it is in the same condition - apart from the fact that mine doesnt start.

[Alan R]

Hi guys--- well, based on what DAL has just said then we have}--- a 1947 J2 500cc bike with a Lucas MAG/DYNO unit for ignition and electrical supply with a battery that's for the lighting only.....( Exactly the same as the 350 shown earlier).....My tool for ignition setting is an old Phllips screwdriver with the end ground semi-circular and the TDC and IGN points marked with a junior hacksaw blade on its' shank...This is kept in the bike's tool kit and was used last Summer when the points assembly came loose whilst out on a run ( That's how I recognised your points description !!!LoL..)...Here's a link to our hosts Parts Online Book showing the assy. of the points etc...............http://www.hitchcocksmotorcycles.com/pa ... .......DAL, I lifted that image from an Australian site so it might even BE your bike ??...........Make sure that the two hardened faces of those points are filed (or ground) to a semi-circular profile such that when assembled and touching they resemble two FAT BOTTOMS -- or Balloons -- touching one another ( I'm sure you get the idea ?? )...Be aware that within the Magneto there is a rotating coil of fine wires covered in shellac that can be prone to not working when hot OR going open circuit... If these are the original items it might be worth considering having the assy. re-wound and a modern capacitor fitted ( we did on that 350 ).........As to helping you getting it running ??.... The best I can offer at the moment is this}----- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp7FxC4MPMg..........

[DAL]

Thanks again guys - I'll let you know how I get on.

Dave