RXS100 not starting / no spark

.Chris. · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Karma :

Some of you might remember that back in the mists of time I stripped down and started rebuilding my RXS100. Over the past week I decided to put it all together using the original (unworn) barrel and a new standard-size piston and rings. Everything was assembled and it ran fine. However when I tried to start it after being away this weekend it won't go.

It's not a fuel fault as plenty of petrol is getting through (plug is wet after trying to start it a few times). There's plenty of compression. However the spark is a bit of a mystery. When connected up to the spark plug rested against a bare-metal piece of the engine casing, there appears to be no spark. I've tried several different plugs and there's no difference. However if I connect the plug cap to a multimeter and hold the other probe near the same bit of engine, a large spark appears. What could be causing this?

The only thing I suspect is the battery. It was left in a pretty discharged state for over a year, but I recharged it for 24 hours before initially putting the bike back together and it was fine. I did the same after it refused to start but this has made no difference. The battery operates the oil + neutral lights fine, plus the indicators. Despite this could the battery be the cause of my problem? I was thinking it might not be strong enough to create a good spark at the plug.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

Blau Zedong · Banned Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Karma :

An RXS has a self igniting ignition system so don't worry about the battery. Might be worth trying a new supressor cap?
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18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth

.Chris. · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Karma :

Turns out it was the plug - both of the ones I had were faulty as the insulation had broken down. Strange as both were outwardly in good condition. New plug and it fired up first time.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

Blau Zedong · Banned Joined: 26 Jun 2006 Karma :

Not unknown for even brand new plugs to be duff..now that IS irritating!!!
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18:54:48 Rob Fzs: jews don't give away stuff for free

18:54:59 Rob Fzs: unless its their clothes/ hair/ golden teeth

ms51ves3 · Super Spammer Joined: 08 Jun 2007 Karma :

.Chris. · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jun 2007 Karma :

They were the plugs I'd been using when the bike was in use about a year ago, so had been lying around in the shed for a while. What puzzled me is that they were working absolutely fine before the weekend, but both seemingly decided to pack up at the same time, despite one being in the engine Confused

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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F