The BSA A7-A10 Forum

Technical (Descriptive Topic Titles - Stay on Topic) => Lucas, Ignition, Charging, Electrical => Topic started by: iansoady on 18.08. 2010 15:35

Title: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: iansoady on 18.08. 2010 15:35
Another minor issue raises its head. Whilst I have the timing cover off, I twiddled the automatic advance unit (asyou do). The pins that the weights pivot on and have the springs attached seem loose in the backplate - to such an extent that the springs don't seem to return the unit to full retard. If I rotate the mag (via the engine) it does return to full retard but it looks as though the timing is going to be wildly erratic when running.

I take it that this isn't normal - I have no experience with these devices as all the mags I've previously had have been manual advance.

I was wondering whether these units are dismantleable(?) and if anyone has any experience of doing this. Being a cheapskate I don't want to shell out for a new unit unless I really have to. I was wondering about MIG welding the pins to the backplate......
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: BSALarry on 18.08. 2010 19:38
Hello - I have just gone through the process of rebuild of magneto and automatic timing gear. I to did not want to spend excess money on the timing gear after shelling out for rebuild of magneto. My problem was about 8 or 9 missing teeth on fibre gear. So, I purchased a new fibre gear and thought how hard could it be. How wrong I was. I found that the rivets that are required to rebuild the timing gear are hard to come by. I ended up asking about 20 or so shops/people at kempton park bikejumble and they all indicated one chap who is expert in the rebuild of the timing gear. I sent it to him and it cost 81 pounds to rebuild. I must say he did an outstanding job and it looks brand new. When I put it all together the bike started at second kick...so me thinks the automatic timing gear (and magneto) are one of those areas that you need to spend the money on...unless you have a milling machine/lathe in your garage.
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: Triton Thrasher on 18.08. 2010 23:02
the springs don't seem to return the unit to full retard. If I rotate the mag (via the engine) it does return to full retard but it looks as though the timing is going to be wildly erratic when running.
...

Before you do anything rash- did you have a running problem?

At idling rpm, the friction of the cam on the points heel drags it back to full retard.  At normal running speed, it's at full advance.
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: wilko on 19.08. 2010 09:38
On different forums it seems it's the oddball rivets that you can't get, so this is where a lathe comes into it!
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: lawnmowerman on 19.08. 2010 11:05
 Stu55flash has just mentioned in a recent post that he had to buy a bag of 100 of these rivets for the A/R gear and only needed four. He has kindly offered to let other members have some so may be worth contacting him if you need some.

Jim
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: iansoady on 19.08. 2010 12:31
Stu55flash has just mentioned in a recent post that he had to buy a bag of 100 of these rivets for the A/R gear and only needed four. He has kindly offered to let other members have some so may be worth contacting him if you need some.

Jim

Indeed and I'm in the process of contacting him.
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: Triton Thrasher on 19.08. 2010 12:50
A rivet being only a piece of mild steel dowel, lack thereof shouldn't hold you up for too long.
Title: Re: Flopp automatic advance unit
Post by: a101960 on 19.08. 2010 16:55
This page might be of interest to anyone that is thinking of overhauling a k2 auto advance unit
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/david.gibbison/v-tec/Files/Lucas%20ATDs.pdf