What kind of ignition system does a BMW have?
The points on this series of BMW motorcycles are part of an old ignition system called “points and condenser” or “battery/coil ignition.” The /5 was the first modern twin-cylinder BMW motorcycle to get battery coil ignition. The basic /5 ignition system has only 4 parts. 1. The coil or coils are just a particular type of transformer.
Where is the jumper wire on a BMW ignition?
The wire there should be black. It goes to the points. Pull the black wire off of the # 1 terminal on the coil. This is not the # 1 that is the very short jumper wire to the other coil. Now you have no “switch” to open and trigger the spark. Remove both spark plug wires from the plugs and attached your spare set of plugs.
Why does my ignition fail all the time?
Power must get to the coils. The power could fail to get there because there isn’t any power due to a dead battery or poor connections. The kill switch (on some models) could fail and kill it all of the time. Any of the many wires leading to the ignition system could fail. 2. Power must get through the two coils.
Why is my alternator not working on my BMW airhead?
The charging on later standard & Authorities models can be poor if the associated rotor is not the correct version. Otherwise, most any years of the Airheads Bosch charging system alternator parts can be interchanged, and work ‘adequately’.
Are there any problems with BMW airhead ignition?
Dwell period time problems with points or points rubbing block wear is possible, and use of too small points gap settings will lead to problems. Timing lights are available that do not need external power sources, that means that the timing light needs no connection to the vehicle battery, but uses an internal, usually rechargeable, battery.
Why is dwell time important in BMW airhead ignition?
Contrary to some beliefs and statements, dwell time measurements are not very important to BMW Airhead ignition, any advice to the contrary is not based on facts. Dwell time is more important on engines with one or two coils AND many cylinders, because the longer the dwell time, the better the coil charge, particularly as RPM rises quite high.
What do I need to change starter on 1981 BMW airhead?
1981+ models have heat sink paste/grease to change on the ignition module (except very last versions that use riveted assemblies), etc. Pay particular attention to the male prongs and mating female connections of the starter relay (I do not mean the starter solenoid switch). Three hours of time well spent, every other year.
Where is the Master grounding wire on a BMW airhead?
There are places that are known problem areas, such as the front coil mount & grounding wire(s) on the R65 early models….due to cracked mounts. Many airheads have a master grounding area, located on the left side of the frame, under the fuel tank, and on many it is at that coil.