I can feel the spark *OUCH* but won't start

I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Brewster /

Jun 07, 2001 09:57PM

Well, I got my '77 motobecane unseized, but can't get it to start. I can feel a tolerable jolt when I touch the spark plug wire and turn the engine by hand. Should I be able to see a spark if I touch the plug against the crankcase? Because I don't see one. I bought a new plug, it's a Champion 86L I think.

The engine turns smooth, definintely has compression, I have a clean fuel source hitched up (haven't cleaned the gas tank yet), etc.

The on/off switch however is missing parts. It seems to me that I can momentarily turn it to the left about 1/8 turn, but when I let go it springs back to the right. So I assume that you hold it to the left to kill the engine, then it is always in on mode when not begin held to the left? Could this switch be preventing it from starting the engine?

I'm starved for advice here. ANY advice from ANYONE would be great.

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

mike /

Jun 07, 2001 10:16PM

the spark should be enough to knock u on ur ass and make your hand chake for 5 mins. atleast thats what my tomos targa does. and yes there should be a spark ounce you toutch the wirew to the CYLINDER!!!

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Fred /

Jun 07, 2001 10:17PM

Search about 5 pages back for a post called "How to Fix Your Moped"... by Fred... not the one by Lola(its too short).

It has a step by step guide to get you running.

Lightning but no fire.

Chris Robertson /

Jun 08, 2001 12:33AM

Hi:

Make sure you have the right spark plug (anyone know what the correct plug is?).

If you can feel a jolt when you turn the engine by hand, you probably have enough juice to get a spark. If you don't trust your ignition switch, you can temporarily disconnect it (the engine will run without it). I don't think this is your problem though because if it were shorted out you wouldn't feel a jolt at all.

<a href="http://www.mopedarmy.com/forums/discuss/1/9931/9931/">Fred's guide</a> is the place to start.

Chris.

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Chump with '77 Mobylette /

Jun 10, 2001 06:12PM

I have the same moped, mine does not have a 'switch' but mine runs just fine. I suggest yanking the 'bastard' out. MAAAAAAHHHHHH

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

don-ohio /

Jun 14, 2001 11:29PM

Hi,Brewster! If you go to Fred's Guide you can't go wrong.But to save a little time,check your points for corrosion or pitting or wrong adjustment.That or a bad spark plug wire will weaken your spark along with corroded magnets.But just turning your flywheel by hand and not kicking it over will not usually show you the full strength of your spark.AND ALWAYS REPLACE THE SPARK PLUG.It can't hurt to have a spare.Are you sure that's the right number plug? Check it out before you buy a new one.Be sure to peruse Fred's Guide anyway.That way you won't miss anything! BYE!

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

miguel /

Jun 15, 2001 01:08AM

and use a bosch platinum plug. they're the best.

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Brewster /

Jun 15, 2001 10:10AM

Hi, I want to check the points but I can't for the life of me figure out where they are. The motobecane's seem to be very hard to get at stuff. Any ideas?

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Ron Brown /

Jun 15, 2001 01:52PM

Brewster,

The flywheel on the right side is attached with a single bolt in the middle. This bolt has a left hand thread. Use an impact wrench to take it off as it is difficult to hold the engine from turning. The flywheel then comes right off. Check the ignition capacitor with an ohm meter while you are in there. It is mounted on the magneto back plate, follow the wire from the points.

RonBrewster wrote:

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Brewster /

Jun 15, 2001 02:13PM

So... is it the one with a square hole on the right hand side, or is it the one with the belt around it on the left hand side? Because you said the right hand side but that doesn't seem correct to me so I just wanted to confirm.

Thanks!

Re: I can feel the spark OUCH but won't start

Ron Brown /

Jun 15, 2001 06:18PM

Brewster,

The one with the square hole, an impct will fit right in it. A little small but no problem.

Ron

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