Atlas '64 Rebuld

MrG said:

You mentioned this to me before, Slick. I've been away from my project due to medical issues but am trying to get back in the swing of things. I'll get one of these in town and see what's going on.

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I got a new spark checker and did the test. It gives a bright orange flash on either plug.
The instructions on the tester say it is most likely a fault in the fuel system. I'll keep checking there and also the swapping of the HT leads. I have to wait until my grandson gets out of school to do the necessary kick-overs. Will keep you posted.

you might want to double check but i've always gone by orange spark = week and Blue spark = strong.
I've got a 64 Atlas also and ditched my mag and converted it to points, coils and condensers. I've got a half a dozen mags and don't trust any of them

Steve Highfield said:

you might want to double check but i've always gone by orange spark = week and Blue spark = strong.
I've got a 64 Atlas also and ditched my mag and converted it to points, coils and condensers. I've got a half a dozen mags and don't trust any of them

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@Steve Highfield

The spark tester produces an orange spark. No relation to the color coming off an open air spark gap. Otherwise, I agree with your color assessment.
If you want to get rid of those mags you do not trust, I will take them off your hands and waive my usual "magneto removal fee".

@Msg

If the spark tester produces a bright orange flash, which fills the window of the tester, on each kick, your mag is likely good.
Try the "magneto man's kick", with the kick start lever, rotate the engine until you estimate the engine is midway up the compression stroke. Then pause for about 10 seconds to allow the compression to leak down thru the ring gaps. Then reset the kick lever and give it your best kick. This lets the mag fire into reduced compression, and overcomes the mags inherent weakness .... that is, mags have least spark energy at kickover rpms.

Slick

Steve Highfield said:

you might want to double check but i've always gone by orange spark = week and Blue spark = strong.
I've got a 64 Atlas also and ditched my mag and converted it to points, coils and condensers. I've got a half a dozen mags and don't trust any of them

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What type of unit did you end up using. I'd like to see what's involved to do the conversion. Thanks

Stock would be one of these https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/511/contact-breaker-housing
Or you can use your favourite electronic ignition in this https://www.eurojamb.com/products/l...ronic-ignition-norton-triumph-bsa-pre-unit-sm
Either way, you'll have to replace the Auto Advance Unit with the driving sprocket with a fixed unit 03.3007

Peavey Jeltz said:

Stock would be one of these https://andover-norton.co.uk/en/shop-drawing/511/contact-breaker-housing
Or you can use your favourite electronic ignition in this https://www.eurojamb.com/products/l...ronic-ignition-norton-triumph-bsa-pre-unit-sm
Either way, you'll have to replace the Auto Advance Unit with the driving sprocket with a fixed unit 03.3007

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Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. Isn't there some type of unit that mounts onto the tack drive from the timing cover? Seems as if I've seen one or two but can't recall any details or even which model bike?

MrG said:

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. Isn't there some type of unit that mounts onto the tack drive from the timing cover? Seems as if I've seen one or two but can't recall any details or even which model bike?

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Sounds like a Joe Hunt magneto. Used on Commando's with points in the timing cover which is where the tach drive used to go.

MrG said:

Thanks for the info. I'll look into it. Isn't there some type of unit that mounts onto the tack drive from the timing cover? Seems as if I've seen one or two but can't recall any details or even which model bike?

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I used the one [U]Peavey Jeltz[/U] mentions

Peavey Jeltz said:

Sounds like a Joe Hunt magneto. Used on Commando's with points in the timing cover which is where the tach drive used to go.

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Hey great. thanks. time to do some research.

MrG said:

Hey great. thanks. time to do some research.

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I spoke to Doug Wood and he had me run some tests with an ohmmeter. Turns out it wasn't the magneto. I did have some HT connection problems. I was sold the wrong leads and they weren't conducting properly.
However the main problem was the carbs. Not delivering fuel. Doug referred me to the Hall family over in Asheville NC. George Hall had me check the pilot jet and the "2" openings in the throat of the Monoblocs. Sure enough, the tiny opening (barely Visible) was clogged in both carbs. I removed the carbs and sprayed carb and choke cleaner and left them overnite.
both carbs were fine the next day so I reinstalled. It started on the 2nd kick and ran fine and came down to a nice idle. Shut her down and tried again and this time she fired on the 1st kick. What a wonderful rumbling noise. I am a happy camper, indeed!!
Thanks for all of your help and advice. I'll try and get some pics of the lady completely assembled to post them.

Greetings all my fellow Atlas lovers. Finally after many setbacks and mucho technical details I was able to get my project finished and running and even had a friend take it for a test ride. Everything seems to be in order. She started and ran just fine.
I have reached a decision to put it on the market. I will get some better pics and post it in the classified section soon. Thanks for all the help and good advice from many of the members.