Trying to Start a CA77 Dream

mason123h · Post by **mason123h** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:26 pm

48lesco wrote:The solenoid IS the switch that closes to energize the starter motor and it sounds like you've ruled out everything else. Rarely, but sometimes, you can tap on the solenoid and if it's only a little sticky inside, it will actuate. If not, just look for one on ebay, a good used one isn't hard to find. Just to be sure we're on the same page, I attached a picture. The solenoid is the black cylindrical unit under the coil.
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It worked!! I simply tapped around on the solenoid before grounding the yellow/red and the starting motor started running!

Now to get spark. The coil pack has juice coming from the battery (black wire) and juice going out of the coils to the condenser via a green wire. When I turn the bike over shouldn't the spark plug wires get hot at the caps (they are new wires and I have had spark previously with them)? The key is turned to the second setting(one turn clockwise from entering the key) while I try getting spark.

Thanks again for the help!

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:29 pm

If the points are working. The points are the ground side of the ignition system.

mason123h · Post by **mason123h** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 6:35 pm

cadman wrote:If the points are working. The points are the ground side of the ignition system.

How does one test if the points function?
I did have the breaker points smoke when I tried starting the bike one time because of too many volts going to them so they may be shot.

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:27 pm

They need to be clean and as flat as possible. I don't understand why they smoked -

Also need to be adjusted to .014 and timed with the rotor.

You should be able to "flick " the points and get the a plug to fire.

48lesco · Post by **48lesco** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:29 pm

You should measure 12V across the points when open, zero when closed. If you measure any voltage between the points terminal and ground when closed, then they are either dirty or not making good contact. Try cleaning them by dragging some emory cloth between them, then heavy paper like a business card to remove all traces of grease and oil.
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