New to the Forum/No fire to the plugs

schrader7032 · Post by **schrader7032** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 8:42 am

Sanders -

I would start with the basics and be sure the magneto timing is set first. After that is set, then be sure the ignition timing is set correctly. These are two different steps not to be confused with each other.

Setting the magneto timing ensures you get the hottest spark at the S-mark...this is needed when kick starting the bike.

The ignition setting results in the points opening at the S-mark. This gets the spark to fire at the proper point.

So, hottest spark at S-mark and plugs firing at the S-mark. That's the basics.

Kurt in S.A.

Walkerr60 · Post by **Walkerr60** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 10:29 am

Kurt,
Ok, you got me. Explain the setting of the magneto timing to me.

I am keeping the bike in Denison, Texas and only get to go down and spend a weekend with it about once a month.
Thanks in advance

schrader7032 · Post by **schrader7032** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:09 am

Sanders -

Yeah, this one can be confusing. Here's a couple of things for you to look into.

First, try searching on the Vintage Forum here using the word "magneto". This has been discussed within the past month.

Second, go to Vech's website at http://www.benchmarkworks.com/ and click on FAQ - Tech advice and then click on his article on Magneto Blues. There are also more technical articles on the VBMWMO website:

http://www.vintagebmw.org/version6/index.php?q=node/84

Third, you might want to download and thoroughly read this article:

http://www.snafu.org/restore/uandm_bmw_v1.pdf

This does a great job of explaining the ignition and charging system.

After checking that stuff out, let us know where we can help.

Kurt in S.A.

Walkerr60 · Post by **Walkerr60** » Fri Nov 07, 2008 6:22 pm

Thanks Kurt,
I will get on it.
Hope we can meet up sometime when I am back down in Texas.

VBMWMO · Post by **VBMWMO** » Mon Feb 15, 2010 2:52 pm

Greetings Gentlemen,
I have a 1964 R60/2 and for a while you could kick start it, but if you rode it till you needed to fill up, it had to be push started.
I thought it was the condensor, so I took a short cut and got a 6volt chevy condensor.
I ran it till it was hot shut it off and restarted with the kick and thought my problems were over. Went to fill up with gas and it would not kick start.
Push started it went back to my friends home shop and found when it was just kicked it would not start.
Ordered a new coil installed as directed and still no fire to the plugs when kick starting.
The wire from the switch in the headlight bucket to the coil is working. When the key is pushed down it breaks the continuity to the coil on that wire.
The wire from the condensor and the coil to the points post are not touching the plate .
To say I am confused is an understatement.

Thanks in advance