Author Topic: 1959 A10 problems starting  (Read 549 times)

Offline marvic

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1959 A10 problems starting
« on: 03.11. 2019 13:45 »
Hi guys, so I just bought this 1959 a10 pre unit and yesterday I tried to start it with no luck. I was told that the bike was sitting for the past 2 years but last summer was started. Do these bikes require key to start? Mine have only the key to lock the steering and I don’t see any ignition key. Do you guys know what could be the problem that didn’t start? I’m new to those bsa and some advice or help would be appriciated
Malta 59 A10

Online bsa-bill

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #1 on: 03.11. 2019 14:10 »
no key required if it's standard set up.
a normal start would be
1, close the choke
2 tickle the carb until petrol is evident at the tickler.
3, kick engine over with clutch lever held in so the clutch rubs free,
4, kick the engine over easy to just draw some fuel in through the carb,
6 , kick over to come to compression then let the kickstart return to top and then a long swing with hardly any throttle should give you a bang in one or other cylinder.

make sure fresh fuel in the tank, make sure you have a spark (remove plugs connect ht lead to plug and rest against metal part of engine, kick it over and watch for a good blue spark on the plug) various carb settings need to be correct ( do you have a Haynes manual )
All the best - Bill
1961 Flash - stock, reliable, steady, fantastic for shopping
1959 Rocket Gold Flash - blinged and tarted up  would have seizure if taken to  Tesco

Online Triton Thrasher

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #2 on: 03.11. 2019 14:19 »
The choke cable is slack for cold starts,  if it has a choke fitted.

If you’ve never messed about with an old bike before, you might operate it backwards.

Offline marvic

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #3 on: 03.11. 2019 14:35 »
Yes i do just got the manual book yesterday. I will check the spark plugs today and see if i get spark coming. If not will look to see if i find a mechanic to check it out, i don't like to take it to the mechanic but will have to sometimes.
Malta 59 A10

Offline bikerboy

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #4 on: 03.11. 2019 15:25 »
It might have a cutout switch so if there is a wire on the end of the mag disconnect it

Offline Minto

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #5 on: 05.11. 2019 10:34 »
If it hasn’t run for some time, at the very least drop and change the oil and check what comes out of the sump and tank.
Drain the fuel tank, that petrol will be duff by now). Then strip and clean the carb as it will probably be a bit gummed up too.
Check the plug leads and caps aren’t arcing, (kick it over in the dark and watch for sparks where there shouldn’t be sparks).
Can’t believe you’ve not been told to dismantle and clean out the sludge trap yet!!
52 A10 plunger
Aprilia RSVR

Offline Greybeard

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Re: 1959 A10 problems starting
« Reply #6 on: 05.11. 2019 12:13 »
It seems rather harsh to advise a new owner that he should completely strip the engine to clean out the sludge from the crankshaft... and yet... JFDI  *work*
Greybeard (Neil)
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