Author Topic: BSA PROBLEMS CAN ANYONE HELP?  (Read 4978 times)

Offline p-bonez

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BSA PROBLEMS CAN ANYONE HELP?
« on: July 28, 2007, 01:55:02 PM »
I just finished having my 1956 BSA C12 restored and shes a BEAUT!

The machine is running EXCELLENT and has TONS of power but I seem to have a somewhat big problem that MIGHT be easy to fix but I dont know what exacly the problem is.
 
1) I changed the electrical system so the bike does NOT run off of a battery, it runs off whats called a "CDI" which is what all new bikes use....
 
The problem is, after about 5 minutes of use when the engine is nice and hot, it starts to MADLY back fire, I mean it sounds like repeated gun fire, bam, bam bam bammmm, bam bam!
 
And when this happens I cant even use the bike anymore, basicaly need to walk it home (a real drag)...
 
I tryed riding it again last night but this time had a friend follow behind me, when it started back firing flames were shooting out the exhaust pipe!
 
Another thing is I currently use a VESPA spark plug (I dont know what else to use)....
 
Do you have any ideas?
 
Is the bike too powerful to use a CDI?
 
Could this simply just be the wrong type of "spark plug" I am using (spacing etc)?
 
Or is this a bigger problem?
 
I really appreciate your advise and help, I have no idea who or where else to ask about this...
 
Thank you for your time and efforts.
 
Respectfully,
            Matthew

Offline L.A.B.

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Re: BSA PROBLEMS CAN ANYONE HELP?
« Reply #1 on: July 28, 2007, 06:47:39 PM »
Quote
1) I changed the electrical system so the bike does NOT run off of a battery, it runs off whats called a "CDI" which is what all new bikes use....

As CDI and other electronic ignition systems (as not all EI systems are CDI) have been commonly fitted to motorcycles as standard or aftermarket units now for over thirty years you may be surprised to learn that even some of us old fossils over the age of 25 have heard of them.
 
Quote
The problem is, after about 5 minutes of use when the engine is nice and hot, it starts to MADLY back fire, I mean it sounds like repeated gun fire, bam, bam bam bammmm, bam bam!

Unfortunately you haven't given any details of which particular system it is that is fitted, so makes any kind of diagnosis rather difficult?
 
 
 
Quote
Another thing is I currently use a VESPA spark plug (I dont know what else to use)....

What make and type is this "Vespa spark plug"
Why not use a C12 plug?
 
 
Quote
Is the bike too powerful to use a CDI?

I think that would be highly unlikely!
 
Quote
Could this simply just be the wrong type of "spark plug" I am using (spacing etc)?

Sorry I don't know what you mean by "spacing". Do you mean spark plug gap?
 
Quote
Or is this a bigger problem?

Unfortunately you haven't given much technical detail so makes it difficult to say what the actual problem could be, but using the correct grade of plug would be a good starting point. The plug cap, HT (spark) lead or coil could be faulty? Or the CDI unit may not be compatible with the output from the C12 generator?
The problem may also be nothing to do with the ignition system as it could be carb or engine problem?
Have the valve clearances been set correctly?
Is the carb flooding at all?      
 
« Last Edit: July 28, 2007, 06:49:34 PM by L.A.B. »
L.A.B.

Offline Blue

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Re: BSA PROBLEMS CAN ANYONE HELP?
« Reply #2 on: July 28, 2007, 11:12:20 PM »
It might be that your exhaust valve-spring isnt returning the valve as quickly as it should.  try replacing the spring with a slighlty stiffer unit

Offline geoffus

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Re: BSA PROBLEMS CAN ANYONE HELP?
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2007, 12:16:54 PM »
 ;)
first thing I do would-be to check the tappets if these are found to be correct then check the carburettor flange for bending if all these are ok then I think I would lift the lid and check the valve and guides for the right clearances as these can tighten up when hot and then not seat correctly
regards Geoff