I second the comment on using a magnetic base to support the test rig. Ignition coils operate on generating and then collapsing a magnetic field. Having a strong magnet holding them in place cannot help them to work correctly. Pretty sure this is not the issue with the bike however. I have not watched the entire series, but things that need confirming: 1. Valve timing (chain/sprocket markings in the timing chest). 2. Compression (when I had my '74 850 Commando rebored to 20 thou over, initial compression as 145-155 psi when hot). 3. Valve clearances 4. Fueling through carb jets. Can you fit a test carb on it? Seeing as lots of fancy parts hanging on the bike, unknown engine work history, could it have an exotic cam fitted with unusual timing needs? Why haven't you invested in (new or used) or made a roller starter? Would hate to see Kevin have a medical issue or just up and walk away in frustration from your shop.

The issue for my ‘72 was a bad ballist resistor. Also, mine will not start if I don’t drain the oil out of the sump. Good luck! Enjoying your trek. 😎

Better systems than Boyer available

cam is mistimed? Carbs misassembled? Even if they start it, giving it back to customer in this state is wrong. Getting random "puffs" from one cyclindar says something very wrong.

Are the plugs wet with fuel ? I think they should be by now, if the carb is working & it hasn't fired. Even with low compression it should fire & run.

Well, no need to check Kevin for spark. His ignition system seems to be firing properly. 🤣🤣🤣

60 lbs is no where near enough compression. you are going to have to take it apart and see whats wrong

Could the timing be off by 180? Last time I had a bike that was getting spark and acting like that on start up...the spark plug wires were reversed. We flipped them around and it fired right up.

@nickmarshall9192

13 күн бұрын

No It's a wasted spark system

@RobsRidesPA

13 күн бұрын

@@nickmarshall9192 yes it is wasted spark, however, I have also had Nortons where they wouldn't run until I swapped the plug wires around. I never could explain it.

@nickmarshall9192

13 күн бұрын

​@@RobsRidesPAnot seen that before Something to remember Cheers

@gregborneman5523

13 күн бұрын

Can't speak for Norton, but the analog Boyer on my Triumph must be installed and set up with the engine on the compression stroke. If not, timing will be 180 out with popping.

Is Kevin a member of the “Old Phartz”?

@fjdelmonte

13 күн бұрын

We made an exception for his youthful age.

Cam. Rings. Valves. Fuel you've covered with a squirt of you will start. Didn't catch what the compression was. 70?

@alanbell2156

11 күн бұрын

60

Not a complex machine. It is so simple. My '74 ran like and started like other bikes such as Honda CB350. Take the case covers off put the stock parts back making sure the marks and the timing chain are correct, gap the valves, if you don't have 120 lbs cyl pressure reseat the valves and put in new rings. Putting the coils in a magnetic field ?? OK maybe, but why ? Why introduce a change in protocol when you just verified your system ignited? I did not see you time the spark. in any of the videos on this Norton. I don't want to be rough with you, but if you streamlined your methodology in video making and mechanical work (see Alan Millyard for the best) you would have much much less frustration. Have a good one.

@peterwilson8797

13 күн бұрын

I enjoy these videos. I learnt from them.

@witofthestaircase1

13 күн бұрын

⁠Lessons in Stoicism

Does someone make an ignition unit with a rev limiter? IF not can something be added?

@fjdelmonte

Күн бұрын

Maybe. But I haven't seen one. Most throttles have two adjuster screws built in. One for turning friction, the other to limit how wide-open the throttle can be pulled. The pull limiter can be used as a rev limiter.

What about the Tri spark?

@fjdelmonte

Күн бұрын

Carb and ignition systems have been eliminated as the cause of the non-start. Now we are inside the engine.

I'm not sure I understand why you wasted time installing another ignition system on this bike. You had spark and the timing was correct so the old ignition was working properly. With only 60lbs of compression it is never going to start. You need to fix that first. Even a newly built engine should have more than that.

I can see why electric starter conversions for Norton Commando are so popular.😂😂😂

@nickmarshall9192

13 күн бұрын

You only need an electric start on a commando if you're knee doesn't work etc When they are set up right they are easy to start

@frankmarkovcijr5459

13 күн бұрын

@@nickmarshall9192 l have never seen one to be easy to start.

@TornadoCAN99

13 күн бұрын

@@frankmarkovcijr5459 Come and see mine...first or second kick 99 times out of 100.....

@nickmarshall9192

12 күн бұрын

​@@frankmarkovcijr5459really? Blimey most of my mates own commandos and don't have problems

@frankmarkovcijr5459

12 күн бұрын

@@nickmarshall9192 if you kick it 10 times and it doesn't start somethings wrong. Not runs seems to be hard starting bikes.

Seems that there is a lack of understanding of the ignition and fueling systems. Until those are discovered and corrected there is no point videoing ongoing failures.

@fjdelmonte

13 күн бұрын

Failure is honesty. Failure is one of the best teaching/learning tools there is.

Just throw it out. (and let me know where it is, and please leave the title under the seat.)

This is a waste of time. That engine has no compression. How many folk have told you that.

@fjdelmonte

11 күн бұрын

Lots. And I am finally going to open up the engine. Stay tuned. It could be interesting!

I don't honestly think that you know what you are doing. Listen to the advice about COMPRESSION !!

@fjdelmonte

11 күн бұрын

Now that I have excluded all the external reasons for the no-start, agree with the 2nd sentence in your comment. The first sentence is kinda snarky. Please be nice.