I altered the magneto timing because I felt that my 1932 BSA W32-6 500cc side valve was running hot due to the magneto timing being a little retarded. However, I now can not get a spark at the spark plug.
Could you please give me some ideas of what may have gone wrong and how to diagnosefix the problem.
To eliminate the spark plug. Take the HT lead from the plug and and remove the plug. Hold the end of the lead about 5mm from the edge of the mag. Get someone to kick the engine over. No spark means problem with mag or at least the points or pickup. Ron
Thank you Ron for your response. I've tried three different spark plugs, one was unused and none of the sparked, so it may be the magneto that is the issue.
Did you set the magneto timing with a cigarette paper? sometimes you find that the points may have a small piece of paper still between them. Seperate the points & put a small piece of very fine enery paper (doubled over) between the points to clean them, then wipe the points faces over with a solvent dampened rag to get any residual emery paper dust from between the points faces
Thank you Rob, the spark plugs are new old stock, but the spark plug was working before I changed the magneto timing.
Thank you Chris, it did use a cigarette paper; I will follow your instructions tomorrow.
As you can tell I’m relatively new to work on classic motorcycle. Your hard won wisdom is deeply appreciated.
