Topica Loopframe_Guzzi Archive


Subject: Re: An oddity

Author: Robert Hawkes

Date: Apr 19, 2001, 6:17 AM

Post ID: 1706378327


Brian,

Thanks for your response; I sort of get it. Let me tell you a few more
things about this Ambo of mine.

When I bought this bike, over a year ago, it did not run right. The dealer
installed a new battery and changed the generator which did nothing.
Electrics are all Marelli. All along I thought a piston kit was needed as,
upon inspection, there was evidence of chrome flaking off the cylinders.
So, I installed a new Nikasil piston kit, new gaskets, lapped the valves and
seats, measured the valve guides and valve stems within tolerances, torqued
the heads two times for break-in period, adjusted the valves two times,
replaced spark plug wires and coil wire and checked for proper ohm
resistance, replaced return springs on automatic spark advance using 8 and 9
coil springs, replaced distributor cap, cleaned the cap, rotor and points,
new points and condenser and I have put more new spark plugs on the
starboard side cylinder than I can count. Also cleaned battery terminals
and leads to regulator. (Even new header pipe gaskets.)

When I start the bike with a new plug she will run OK for about 10 mi. Then
when I slow down or stop at a red light the starboard cylinder begin to fail
and then will quit. I give it the gas a bit and she starts to fire again
and then fails. I pull the plug and always find evidence of fouling; the
plug is wet, dripping wet with gasoline. Sometimes gas will drip out the
starboard header where it joins the muffler. When both cylinders are firing
the bike has plenty of power and (like the rest of you guys) the bike is a
joy to ride but it is always short lived. Please keep in mind that despite
all the changes mentioned above it is always the starboard cylinder that
quits.

I am very grateful for all the help from you guys on this list esp. Ian,
Andy, Peter, Rich and Mark and now from you Brian but I am now becoming
desperate, therefore:

IF ANYONE ON THIS LIST PROVIDES ME WITH INFORMATION LEADING TO THE ARREST
AND CONVICTION OF THE GREMLIN THAT IS CAUSING THIS PROBLEM AND RESULTS IN MY
AMBASSADOR RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY ON TWO CYLINDERS I WILL SEND THEM A CASE OF
THEIR FAVOURITE BEER - OFFER GOOD ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES -
ONE WINNER ONLY.

Thanks, Bob Hawkes

----- Original Message -----
From: <murp-@aol.com>
To: <Loopfram-@topica.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 11:25 PM
Subject: RE: An oddity


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Robert,
I also think that the current is finding a path through the
distributor cap from the center connector (the coil output) to the spark
plug wires. I would bet that both plugs are sparking at the same time,
but only the one at TDC fires. The motor runs, but probably not that
well. I don't think it is really necessary to find the short through the
cap (which could be just a little moisture or dirt). It is not necessary
because when the rotor is in the distributor, a path through the cap
will not be used because there is a low resistance path through the
rotor. Also, only one cylinder will fire at a time because there will
only be one low resistance path at a time.
Brian,
'74 Eldo
'78 T3


Robert Hawkes wrote:
 Frank,
That's my Ambassador that Ian is talking about. It ran without the
distributor cap being on the distributor. Now, how does one check for a
short? Thanks, Bob Hawkes, 1969 MG Ambassador

----- Original Message -----
From: Frank Flood
To: Loopfram-@topica.com
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 8:28 PM
Subject: Re: An oddity


==========================================================="So many
interesting emails. So little time to read them.
Thanks to myTopica, I can find what I want, when I want it."
So can you.
http://click.topica.com/caaabBCb1dfltb1FlG8b/register
=========================================================== Ian : Back
when I used to work on 2 cylinder John Deere tractors, we use a jumper
wire to make

them run without the distributor cap being in place.

Almost sounds to me like a shot circut to me.

Frank " I read the postings daily" I have learned a lot.
Thanks

Recent owner of 1972 Ambo----- Restoration in Progress


>From: Ian Adkins
>Reply-To: Loopfram-@topica.com
>To: Loopframe
>Subject: An oddity
>Date: Tue, 17 Apr 2001 22:47:23 -0400
>
>============================================================
>Technology unveiled. Complexity simplified.
>Software Development understood.
>developerWorks. The place for developers.
>http://click.topica.com/caaabNob1dfltb2wugCa/developerWorks
>============================================================
>
>Hi All,
>
>I've been helping a friend with his Ambo project and he came across
an
 
 >interesting situation that I thought I might seek some input from the
>list.
>
>While working on his bike he pulled the distributor cap from its
mount
 
 >and
>rested it aside. It was still attached to the spark plug leads and
the
 
 >leads
>were connected to the plugs. As he turned over the bike it started
>running.
>
>What might cause this to occur? Interesting to note is that he has
been
 
 >having trouble with the engine where one cylinder will not fire. We
were
 
 >
>thinking that it may be carburetor related but now that I heard of
this
 
 >anomaly I think that his problems might be ignition related.
>
>Any thoughts?
>
>Regards....Ian
>
>
>
>
>
>
>--- Sponsor's Message --------------------------------------
>Who Are the Top Dogs?
>Find out about the best newsletters and discussions!
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>

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