LCGB Forums

In May I threw the TS1 into the old LI and got it back on the road. All good.

Then at the start of July I started it up and as usual, first or second kick it fired up and as usual, good crisp revs. Set off down the road, got about 100 yards and it started to splutter badly, then it died. I tried starting it up and after a couple of very spluttery revs it died. I pushed it back home and from then it hasn't been on the road since.

I've changed everything and I mean everything. plugs, plug caps, HT leads, CDI's, Stators, Ignitions, Carbs, petrol tap, petrol, petrol cap, even put the old Mugello 225 on for a change.

There's a consistant spark, a good one. If I get it to start it won't rev, really poor revs for a about 5 seconds then dies. Constant kicking over or bumping and it sometimes tries to fire up, but won't. The choke works properly (Darrell Taylor Headset lever).

Took the loom green wire out of the CDI, nothing.

I can't ever remember having a problem like this that wasn't solved. I'm completely lost.

Have you checked the crank for alignment?

I would go back to first principles...

For an engine to go you need
Compression, Fuel in correct ratio, spark at the correct time..

Since one of the easiest variables to check is fuel.... Try a big squirt of easy startdown the carb and see how you get on....

Haven't tried the Crank Bernie. Wuold it just stop running ina puff like that?

Bob. Petrol was changed and is getting through. Wet plug. I set the timing with a strobe.

Just a thought , did you change the rubber that mounts the carb to the manifold ? if not has it got a split in it ??

Not initially, but it was in perfect condition. I'm even using a different one for a smaller carb.

Many years ago I rode back from a rally, pulled up and bike died on stand. Thought nothing of it and put it in shed, few weeks later got it out - wouldnt start. Done all the normal stuff. checked spark, timing, fuel, stripped top end to check rings and compression. Got it started by bumping after a lot of attempts, ran as you describe. Crank was twisted and had likely happened on last run. Changed bearings, seals and crank and fired up fine. Just a thought for you to look at, I'm sure you have tried all the obvious stuff too.

Cheers Bernie.

I've a 60mm Crank here staring at me, but that's not going to work.


I don't know when I'll get this sorted.

have you had a look at the reeds?

Reeds on the TS1 were spot on Eden.

My T5's reeds went stiff and was a pig to start, put a VL6 block in there and all the issues stopped, I am wondering if your reeds have become rigid or stuck against the stops or are splitting at the base so not able to regulate flow properly which would show wet plug and fuel getting in but just too much or not enough for a continuous cycle.

I've got the Muggy 225 on now. Same symptoms. So reeds are off the menu.

It was worth a mention but I am a newbie in here so I'll just lurk in the shadows a bit

So fuel and spark are OK, timing is where it should be, could it be air being reduced somehow say a crushed breather hose from the air filter or a blocked atomiser? Blocked exhaust?

Ian, Fuel and spark ok.

Timing strobed. No breather hose or air filter. Atomiser clear with three different carbs used. 2 exhausts used too.

Had a breakdown at brid about 93/94 on my sx200...same symptoms,ended up being a twisted crank

I twisted my crank and it locked up solid. So ?
maybe something else ......
Worn piston rings ? Worn reed petals ? Airleak ?
Did you get it sorted ? G.

Still not sorted.

New rings, No air leaks, no reeds as it's the Muggy on now, but reeds on the TS1 were fine.

could it be the crank seal gone?

Only 2 things left then !

Woodruff key

Magneto oil seal

The Woodruff key is fine. Oil seals in working order.

Completely baffled. I'm raising the white flag.