Thank you.
Maybe they did. There's no ignition switch, just a 3-way switch that someone has wired to ground in the left and right positions, center is ungrounded. I'll post a picture of it soon and maybe you can tell me for sure if it's a magneto or distributer.A 1968 Atlas would have started life with points ignition which is mounted in the same position as the magneto, or has sombody fitted a magneto to it?
If it's a Lucas mag it'll generally spark once you've cleaned the points even if the condenser has goneMaybe they did. There's no ignition switch, just a 3-way switch that someone has wired to ground in the left and right positions, center is ungrounded. I'll post a picture of it soon and maybe you can tell me for sure if it's a magneto or distributer.
Here are a few pictures. Based on what I'm reading in this thread this is a magneto, correct?If it's a Lucas mag it'll generally spark once you've cleaned the points even if the condenser has gone
Make sure the cut out wire isn't shorting somewhere
Best way to ensure this is to try it with the end cap removed
Some photos would help here
There are no coils, thanks.IF its Magneto the spark plug wires will be attached to each side of the magneto, otherwise there will be a pair of coils probably mounted to the back of the battery box.
Unfortunately I have no history on this motorcycle at all. A friend bought it as-is and asked me to get it running and see what it would take to make it road worthy. I've been working on bikes for a long time however this is my first Norton.A 1968 Atlas would have started life with points ignition which is mounted in the same position as the magneto, or has sombody fitted a magneto to it?
I'll give it a try.If it's a Lucas mag it'll generally spark once you've cleaned the points even if the condenser has gone
Make sure the cut out wire isn't shorting somewhere
Best way to ensure this is to try it with the end cap removed
Some photos would help here
I'll check for continuity, thanks. Understood on the refurb being a specialists job.The central screw that holds the points plate onto the end of the armature should have electrical continuity to the casing with negligible resistance, when points are open or shut.
If it doesn’t, there may be a problem with the earth brush or its teack. That brush is under the big screw head beside the label.
Having said that, an old magneto usually needs refurbishment with a new condenser. That’s regarded as a specialist job.