Dealing with a Faulty Coil

Out for a ride on a beautiful October weeend. Up and over the Hawks Nest in NY State when we come into Port Jervis and the R60 started loosing power and eventually cut out. It hiccuped once before we got to town but I just assumed it was a fuel problem. That wasn't the case... After letting it cool down a bit, the bike started again which indicated the coil was going bad.

Defective Coil Explained:

If your not familiar with this problem what happens is the wire field wrapping of the coil gets a hairline crack in it from years of use. When the bike is cold the defect is not evident since the wires are packed tightly together. As things heat up and expand it causes a drop in electrical output from the coil and ultimately reduces the spark plug output causing the power loss. Letting the bike cool down will allow you to typically get it started again and hopefully limp back to your starting point.

Although my riding partner wanted to call for a tow - I refused to be stranded on this very trustworthy machine. We cut our ride short and headed back to home base. With a couple of hiccups here and there the old gal got me home before finally cutting out again from the heat. After getting home, I ordered and replaced the coil, replaced condenser, plug lines and caps. Parts acquired from Bench Mark Works - Thanks Guys! Even kept a spare condenser just in case. I'm looking forward to the winter time so that I can give this bike a thorough work over.

Maintenance of Failed Fuel Float

After turning the full on in prep for a ride, the starboard Bing carburetor started spilling fuel on the ground. After some dissection it turns out that the brass float assembly failed with several very fie stress cracks. I was away at the time so I attempted to dry the float out to get the bike running again. Its work for a short period but ultimately needed replacement Completed an oil change and replaced both port and starboard aux float assemblies and seals. While on-line - of course I had to buy other parts! Comboguy: Wide Seat Cover /2 The Bolt Guy: Stainless Bolt Hardware Kit Ordered Air Filter and Battery Pad. Wax and Chrome Polish ($290)

Parts Accumulation Continues

Penton/Clymer Manual 500/600 Twins Re-Psycle: Head Gasket, Foot pegs, Magneto Point Frame Bluemoon: Top Fork Bolts / Engine Cover Nuts

Accessories and Spare Parts

Recharged Battery, General Inspection for Road Readiness. Ordered Helmets, Riding Gear, Wax, Bike Cover. Re-Psycle: Valve Gasket, Tool Gen Puller, Head Gasket, Gas Cap, Foot Pegs