Problem in the rain

[Gazdaman]

I found out the hard way today, that in the rain, my spark is almost completely conducted through the frame to ground, which of course stalls my engine instantly.

I found the problem by touching the HT lead, which shocked me. Surely the rubber around the outside should insulate it so it doesn't do that...


Anything I can do about it?

Gaz

[stinkwheel]

Yeah, Jawa does that too. You can try replacing the HT lead but it won't work (but it is only a quids worth so worth a try I suppose). )

Assuming the coil is mounted under the tank on the frame top-tube. Make sure the blind end of the cylindrical coil is facing forwards with the HT lead coming off the back of it. You want the HT lead to the loop back then forwards to attach to the plug. This should keep the worst of the weather off it and stop it from earthing out on the frame.

If it is still bad, you can make a little deflector plate out of margarine tub lid or something to mount just in front of the HT lead using the coil bracket as a mounting point and cable ties. Kind of like a mini flyscreen for your HT lead.

Either that or carry a tin of WD40 and give it a scoosh when it starts dropping out.

You should try starting the thing up when it gets dark and checking out the randomised sparking fireworks display under the tank coming from the coil, it has always amazed me that even some of the sparks finds their way to the plug at the correct time on these bikes.

EDIT: Oh, yeah, avoid touching the plug lead on eastern block bikes when the engine is running, especially with wet hands
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[mr.z]

There is indeed! new lead and plug/s!

After a while the rubber degrades and no longer insulates like it should, shouldn't cost allot, what bike is it on?

edit: stand corrected if you do change the plugs and leads you can get them from places selling petrol lawn mowers

My cg did the same thing, common fault, apparently cling film over the coil did help allot, didn't find out till after i sold it off, it allways seemed to be when there was a load of traffic behind
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>RidingSkills<->Tech Tips<->MyBikes<

[Gazdaman]

[Quote=Stinkwheel]EDIT: Oh, yeah, avoid touching the plug lead on eastern block bikes when the engine is running, especially with wet hands [/quote]

Yup, some things I just have to learn the hard way!

I was toying with the idea of one of those light up plug caps anyway, so a new HT lead while I'm at it won't make much difference.

I was just about to phone my dad when I thought, hang on, I can deduce this. The fuse that normally goes wasn't the case cuz the lights still worked, so I either had it down to the throttle cable, which wasn't the case, or a dodgy spark.

That's when I touched the HT lead and found the problem, then I looked and I could see the spark jumping.

Gaz

[stinkwheel]

I don't know what the resistance of the light-up caps is. If your bike starts eating points, that will be the culprit.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.