Panhead lost spark

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bojac
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Panhead lost spark

#1

Post by bojac »

Hey! Where should I start looking? New wiring, coil, battery, points, Bosch regulator, (flashed), this spring.
Points don't arc but spark across points body when accidently grounded against distributor. Luckily I didn't get out of the driveway when it died. 12v system. Any help greatly appreciated!
james
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#2

Post by james »

So you are saying it was running and it just died. You pulled a plug with the wire attached, grounded the plug, opened and closed the points with the key on and there is no spark at the plug right?
Is this a project you recently completed?
Is there power going to the coil?
Is there continuity in the wire from the timer to the coil?
Is the wire running to the timer properly insulated at the timer (not grounding) ?
Is there a clean ground connection from battery to frame?
Is the engine grounded to the frame (no paint between frame and engine case) ?
Is the condenser old?
Are the plug wires installed into the coil holes properly?
Are the points adjusted to open?
Does the timer cam turn when you crank over the engine?
Basics

Jim M
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#3

Post by swinetune »

Hi Bojac,

Sounds like a new set of points are in order.
Perhaps change the condenser as well.
You could file the points and see how you go.
But, you could also end up pushing.

Cheers,
Matt
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#4

Post by john HD »

Put a new set of plugs in it first.

Then troubleshoot....

john
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#5

Post by Bigincher »

And a condenser with the points. Brand new out of the box condensers have been known to be bad.
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#6

Post by Excalibur »

It sounds like the points aren't making proper contact. If the points are black/blue on the contacts, this could indicate the condenser needs replacing. If the point gap has closed up, this could be the heal has worn where it rubs the cam. Grease should be lightly smeared on the cam to allow the setting to last.
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Re: Panhead lost spark

#7

Post by 58flh »

Points don't spark but arc when accidently arc against body----This is confusing ,but as james said ,key on ground a plug & open the points with finger -There should be a spark at the gap.I would be looking for a grounding problem under the cover & follow the wireing,look for worn out insulater or anything that is touching metal that shouldn't!--Then if you mean theres a spark now & then between the points,a condenser could be done with.Just 1-check at a time & youll find it.---If the bike has ran before & this happened/ Look for a short---good-luck-Richie
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