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How big a spark

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:35 pm
by uglybassplayer
So the 3AJ has been off the road for 12 months and I'm finally getting round to reviving it.

It cut out during a particularly heavy period of rain and therefore I assumed it was and electrical/ignition gremlin. All connections have been pulled and cleaned/greased. The HT lead has been cut back to fresh clean cable and the plug top has had a good clean also. Finally I've installed and new plug and battery. All the coil, plug top, stator and pickup/pickup coils measure correct as per the manual.

Now have a spark, however I'm somewhat underwhelmed by the ferocity of the spark (tested held against the engine casing, it is blue and jumping to/from the right place with seemingly the correct amount (1 spark per revolution). I was expecting with a big thumping single that the spark would be second only to a bolt of lightening.

Can anybody advise (or even better provide a video) of a healthy XT spark so I can determine if the ignition needs further attention.

(on a side note the ignition may not have been the problem as on removing the airbox the carbs fell away from the engine, both intake manifold rubbers perished and separated from the castings.... so the intakes were getting plenty of air.. just none of it through the carbs!)

Re: How big a spark

Posted: Mon Feb 22, 2016 12:49 pm
by Mezo
Yeah its not a very big spark is it? i went through this as well with my 3AJ rebuild & thought the exact same thing. :scratch:

There are posts on this if you search (cant be bothered right now its late) search "spark" or "weak spark" its been mentioned.

Although you have started a very interesting thread :idea: so lets all do a video (in darkness) of your XT spark. :storm:

Mezo.