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first time on the hook

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 3:07 pm
by larry emrick
In 12 years of ownership of my 74 series 3 It came home courtesy of BCAA for the first time this afternoon. was driving along sweet as a nut and it just quit. no warning, no stuttering, just power off. Managed to coast to a safe place and was back home in an hour thanks to BCAA. Interestingly, I tried to start it but there is no power, just as if the battery is flat.
Wondering if it might be the coil. Checked the connections and they are intact. Is there a simple way to check the coil?
Any thoughts?
Thanks, Larry

Re: first time on the hook

Posted: Thu Apr 09, 2020 9:43 pm
by TimberPig
Points or electronic ignition?

If points, could be points or condenser. Electronic may be a burnt out module.

To check the coil, try this link: https://www.series123.com/UKhomepages/i ... index.html

Re: first time on the hook

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 7:44 am
by swamijake
I wouldn't jump into the points and coil if it seems the battery is flat. Best to start with the battery. Actually best to start with connections and wires to the battery.

Re: first time on the hook

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 10:09 am
by bsa_m21
Battery flat? Sounds more like the alternator to me. I’d charge the battery and check to see if the alternator works.

Battery have charge? Check the tiny ground wire under the points plate for a break (voice of experience).

Re: first time on the hook

Posted: Fri Apr 10, 2020 11:24 am
by TimberPig
I missed the statement about thinking the battery could be flat. Agreed that confirming power and connections is first order of business. Then go from there down the line, as ignition means nothing if it won’t crank due to a dead battery, loose connection or other electrical gremlin.