[TR] Electrical Gremlin

[TERRY SMITH]

Thanks, Randall.  You are, of course, right on about doing tests.  Trouble is, this has been an intermittent problem that can test fine at one moment or another and I never know which state it's in at the moment!

Good news (:-p) is, now it starts and stalls right away.  After a moment, it starts again.  Sounds like fuel starvation so checked fuel lines and for any obstruction in the tank (none there).  On the other hand, intermittently, when I turn the ignition switch on, I get nothing.  Other times, I get power but the starter just makes a clunk sound.  Other times, it fires right up.  Sounds like an electrical problem.  

Gadfrey!!!!!

> On May 30, 2019 at 1:53 AM Randall <TR3driver at ca.rr.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> > Jets centered, float 
> > bowls have no gas in them,
> 
> A typo?  Float bowls should have gas in them, engine won't run without gas.
> If the bowls are running dry, you've got a fuel delivery problem.
> 
> > So question.  When one has done the Pertronix modification (I 
> > replaced that too), the generator control is wired 
> > differently.
> 
> Not that I know of.  I installed a Pertronix, had it running for months,
> eventually removed it, no changes at all to generator control.  The
> Pertronix needs exactly 3 connections on a TR3A, ground through the point
> plate (which can be a problem), power from the hot side of the coil, and the
> output to the ground side of the coil.
> 
> > Second question, I can't really tell from the wiring diagram 
> > whether the generator or the starter could be stealing power 
> > from the ignition system.
> > 
> > I'll be back at it tomorrow, but any thoughts?
> 
> Instead of replacing everything in sight, try doing some tests.  Temporarily
> connect a 12v test light from the coil hot terminal (which should also feed
> the Pertronix) to a good ground on the engine.  Start the engine, watch the
> light.  It may dim a bit while cranking, but should stay full brightness
> once the starter is no longer engaged.  If it dims when the engine dies,
> you've proven an electrical problem; which you can now go looking for in a
> similar manner.
> 
> If the light stays full brightness, though, either the Pertronix is flaking
> out, or the problem lies elsewhere.  I would look next at the ground wire
> for the point plate, as they flex in service and sometimes break inside the
> insulation.
> 
> -- Randall
>