I have just purchased a 1959 Dominator '99' and I am having trouble starting it. My previous experience with Nortons is with my Model 50, and this has a valve lifter. At 75 I'm wondering if I have taken on more than I can chew !
The bike has electronic ignition. I've attached a photo (I hope). If anyone can identify the make in order that I can locate information about it, I would be most grateful ?
The bike seemed to start OK with the previous owner. I managed to start it just after buying it. Subsequent to that I have refitted a slightly shorter choke cable as there was play on the original and insufficient adjustment. I have also cleaned and reset the, what appear to be fairly new, plugs. (NGK B6ES - set to 0.022"). It did start again but, while running, during which time I was adjusting the pilot air screw, it stopped. It was warm by then and had been running about 5 minutes. I could not restart. An hour later I managed to start it again. It stopped again while adjusting the carb and again I couldn't restart it.
I am now allowing my leg to recover before resuming 'battle'. Any hints on desired starting technique or any other recommendations are welcomed ?
Sounds like it could be ju…
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It could be that you have…
It could be that you have "lost" the pilot setting, As little as a 1/4 turn can make a difference with what passes for petrol these days. Normally if all is set up right from cold I need full choke and 2-3 kicks, I have very good compression and at 73 years old 12 stone I ease the motor just over compression before i kick. I also sometimes lean the bike over to the right to slightly flood the carb.I am installing a tickler lever on the Deluxe (not ever had one) to ease cold starting. A warm motor should fire up on one kick with no choke or tickling.
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hello this sound to me lik…
hello this sound to me like weak mixture as you played with a pilot air screw and maybe weakened the air mixture yours anna j
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Remember that on Monobloc…
Remember that on Monobloc and Concentrics the adjusting screw controls the air not fuel so when you screw it out it makes the mixture weaker. The opposite to a lot of Japanese carbs.
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Making sure the battery is…
Making sure the battery is charged is as basic as switching the lights on!
As regards electronic ignition I adapt a Boyer Bransden system for the 18D2 so depending what part you tried to photo it 'might' be one of mine. But then the amplifier will have BB name on it. If it has worked some times then the chances are that ignition basics are sound and either you have twidled too much, or some thing has come loose.
If it is one of mine, sorry I don't put name on....so I will have to see a picy, then I am very happy to advise.
You could check my web site as this has a picture of the 18D2 part I make. AOSERVICES.CO.UK
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Previously Alan Osborn wro…
Previously Alan Osborn wrote:
Making sure the battery is charged is as basic as switching the lights on!
As regards electronic ignition I adapt a Boyer Bransden system for the 18D2 so depending what part you tried to photo it 'might' be one of mine. But then the amplifier will have BB name on it. If it has worked some times then the chances are that ignition basics are sound and either you have twidled too much, or some thing has come loose.
If it is one of mine, sorry I don't put name on....so I will have to see a picy, then I am very happy to advise.
You could check my web site as this has a picture of the 18D2 part I make. AOSERVICES.CO.UK
Alan, I have managed to resize the photograph in order to attach it. Have a look at this and tell me if it is one of yours please ?
Thanks, Mike
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Looks like my Lucas RITA.…
Looks like my Lucas RITA. What is under the cover? And what does the amplifier look like (RITA has a separate box)?
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Previously David Cooper wr…
Previously David Cooper wrote:
Looks like my Lucas RITA. What is under the cover? And what does the amplifier look like (RITA has a separate box)?
David,
The amplifier appears to be a red plastic like box a little larger than a matchbox. I would assume if this was a RITA it would have Lucas written on it. Mine hasn't.
When electronic ignition is fitted is it necessary/likely that any other settings, in particular carburettor components, need to be changed ? I ask this because my bike has a 220 main jet fitted when I believe for this model and year that it should be 250.
Mike
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No carb changes. Might wan…
No carb changes. Might want bigger spark plug gap than magneto, and suppressor spark plugs and/or leads. As you say - it isn't RITA from the sound of it.
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It looks like you have Boy…
It looks like you have Boyer ignition
With a Boyer your battery will have to be absolutely tip top
If it isn't it will go into full advance mode
So make sure you have at least 12 volts
Do you have 12 volt or 6volt coils?
Also all the wiring must be perfect
Starting methods vary from bike to bike you may not have found what the bike likes yet!
You may not want to hear this but magnetos in my opinion are way better for starting a bike just my opinion
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Previously nicholas_marsha…
Previously nicholas_marshall wrote:
It looks like you have Boyer ignition
With a Boyer your battery will have to be absolutely tip top
If it isn't it will go into full advance mode
So make sure you have at least 12 volts
Do you have 12 volt or 6volt coils?
Also all the wiring must be perfect
Starting methods vary from bike to bike you may not have found what the bike likes yet!
You may not want to hear this but magnetos in my opinion are way better for starting a bike just my opinion
Battery is brand new and the bike is 12v. The alternator appears to be in cracking condition if the ammeter is anything to go by. Starting is easier since I found out that the Pilot Jet was blocked and cleared it, however it's still not as easy as I'd hoped.
Thanks for your input,
Mike
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Sounds like it could be just a simple loose connection...
You could try taking removing a plug cap, and placing it on a spare plug resting on the engine, and then switch the ignition on and off. If it sparks as you switch it off, you do at least know that electricity is going where it is needed. But even then it might vibrate loose. Does it have one of those in-line screw-together fuse holders? I once had one that was horribly unreliable - totally unfit for purpose.