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Checking for Spark
Checking for Spark on a Coil, Points, and Condenser System
Most people replace the coil first because it is easy to
replace, but seldom the problem. Below are a few tech
tips to help determine the issue.
1) Check the gap of your plug and/ or install a new plug
to eliminate the plug as an issue in the system-- gap
35-40 /1000th on the new plug.
2) Remove cap from wire- wire should be able to arch a spark
approx 1/4 to 1/2 when held near the cylinder or cylinder head.
3) Check all grounds or bypass grounds- Mopeds, like older Tomos
mopeds, do most of the grounding thru the rear taillight housing.
Ground the blue wire to bypass this system on
older Tomos Models and others to elimate this ground issue.
4) Just because you have lights DOES NOT mean that the ignition is
good--- lighting coil is a separate system and does not involve
points and condenser.
You will need a test light
probe to
test for a pulsed signal from the black trigger wire that
comes from the magneto to the coil.
-This pulsed signal
indicates that the points and condenser are correctly
functioning. If there is no signal or a constant light on the
test light pencil,
you will need to remove
the flywheel and clean ( emory board and electrcial contact
cleaner work best) or replace points and replace condenser.
Pullers,
points and condensers are listed at our Points/Condenser Page
4) Use threaded center puller to remove the flywheel as these
are a balanced precision item and a gear puller can bend or
distort the the flywheel rendering it useless.
5) Adjustment
-Point gap setting at
15-18/1000th
-Timing adjustment by rotating
the stator plate - only 2-3 degrees of adjustment are possible and
typically in the middle of the adjustment is closest to proper
timing. For the
enthusiast,
typically points should open about 2 degrees before top dead center.
