classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: ramwing7 on August 14, 2021, 07:54:48 PM

Title: Rooster Ignition
Post by: ramwing7 on August 14, 2021, 07:54:48 PM
I have a spark problem.
For the past several months I've been working on refurbishing a 1963 Norton Electra.  It ran great before I started the work that required unhooking part of the Rooster Booster ignition system someone has installed.  These connections I marked carefully and am fairly confident of their correctness.
However upon trying to restart it, I discover I have  no spark at the plugs.
I do have voltage at the breaker points and coil.  Also the lights on the Rooster box light up.  One is a green light (pilot light?) and the other is a white light that flashes when the points close.  I have no idea what that means, but is says electricity is going somewhere.

I don't have a clue what to do next.  There seems to be no Rooster documentation on how to install/troubleshoot the system or any company website.

So I'm turning to the collective wisdom of this forum.

All ideas welcome.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: Rex on August 14, 2021, 08:26:54 PM
I met the person who owned the " Rooster Booster" company a few times, but sadly he passed on maybe ten or more years back. I'm not familiar with the  model you describe; the usual kit was designed to boost the spark on Bantams etc (hence the name) and was no more than the old "bared ignition wire and trouser button" fix from way back.
Surely the Electra is the usual simple coil-and-points system though? It ought to work OK as standard.
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: TGR90B on August 14, 2021, 09:48:21 PM
Go back to standard. The Electra is an overblown Navigator with electric start. Wiring information should not be difficult to obtain.
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: R on August 14, 2021, 10:44:21 PM
There are some really basic instructions about - if you can read sideways !

https://www.bsabantamclub.com/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-image-uploads/tester/2013/12/photo_29.jpg (https://www.bsabantamclub.com/wp-content/sp-resources/forum-image-uploads/tester/2013/12/photo_29.jpg)

Have you tried just putting some power onto the (disconnected) coil(s), and watching that this produces spark(s).
Start with the basics, and all that.
Which might indicate a dodgy connection ...
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: R on August 14, 2021, 11:06:06 PM
Hmmm, there may be more to this than meets the eye.
Does this kit eliminate twin points, and now use a wasted spark system. ?

Do you still have the required points connected to where they need to be.
One set would now be redundant ?

https://studylib.net/doc/18289403/-wasted--spark-principle
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: ramwing7 on August 17, 2021, 07:31:14 PM
Well......................the garage elves did it again.
Came out the next day to dig into the ignition, but decided to give it a couple of turns first.
Lo' and behold, really strong spark.
I'll gladly accept the gift, but now I'm paranoid about being a ways from home and having it happen again.   :-\(gulp)

Thanks to everyone for the input.  It was thought provoking and helpful.
Title: Re: Rooster Ignition
Post by: Rex on August 17, 2021, 07:44:25 PM
I suggest you give the loom and connections a good pulling and shaking before you venture out though.