Villiers Mk 1 - 102

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:27 pm

Hi, I recently couldn't resist a great 102 with clutch, on a standard shaft. I did get the engine started, and it ran ok. However, then it wouldn't restart. So I did my checks - no spark (even on a new spark plug). In fact if i hold the end of the HT lead, no current - nothing. So I cleaned up the points, and checked the gap - all ok. I span the engine on a drill, and with the disk off the top of points housing I can see a nice blue spark jumping across the points as it spins. I have removed the HT lead and connector, and tried it on a different gull, and it works fine, so this is not the problem. in fact if I poke a wire through to touch the coil as it spins, no shock or current. So how are the points arcing ok, but there is no current??? Do I need to get a replacement mk 1 base plate, or can I do something to redeem the ignition? Many thanks in expectation.

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 11:26 pm

So how are the points arcing OK, but there is no current

clearly a current flow is being induced by the magnets in the primary winding of the coil.

I could be that the secondary (HT) winding has failed. Unfortunately you cannot test this winding on the Villiers coil even for continuity because there is a gap built in for reasons not entirely known or accepted (see the recent thread headed Mk1 ignition schematic).

Another other possibility is that the condenser is faulty.

If you can swap bits over from a running engine they are a couple of possibilities to investigate. Condenser is the easier to swap I would think so try that first.

Mark · Post by **Mark** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 7:24 am

Thanks for that. I will investigate further. Just a throught...I have a spare later wipac base plate and flywheel - would the this swop ok onto a 102?

Vic · Post by **Vic** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:46 pm

I dont know 102s but I though the Wipac could always be fitted in place of the Villiers but you'll have to swap the flywheel as well I think

niander · Post by **niander** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 9:19 pm

Yes they are wonderfully interchangeable...but watch out i once had to totaly ignor the crankcase dimple as it was totaly out..not exacly sure why...but it was like 180 degrees out on the timeing when using different ignitions....102 gull.

twostrokenut · Post by **twostrokenut** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 10:04 pm

By your description , if you have got "arking" at the points , the chances are the condensor is shot.
Were or are the points badly pitted , if so this is usually the surest sign of condensor problems.

Andy.