aftermarket TCI compatibility.

[Smallkat]

John,

I am in Inskip, Lancashire. Is your proposal to try your igniter on my bike?

[Smallkat]

But, I am very open to offers of a loan or sale of a genuine 10D00 igniter.
(Takes deep breath)
Cheers!

But 10D is a Bandit igniter not a Kat one. I think that is what is confusing some of us. Certainly me. Kats are 46D, Model prefix GK77A.

[johnD]

Hi Smallkat, Inskip isn't too far from me, just oop the M61 so I might well be giving you a shout.

I am referencing the Bandit part nos. because that is the most detailed info I can find. And, yes, there are differences mechanically, cam profiles, engine mount points etc. but, essentially, the ignition systems are the same. The timing rotor has exactly the same profile, the TCI the same ins and outs. The only way I could get the results I am seeing is if the starter clutch/rotor unit was mounted some 30-40 degrees advanced from the position on the Kats crank. This is unlikely.... but the way things are, it might well be the case. Let us not forget, this is something that numerous other personages have wrestled with, I can understand their frustrations! At least I now have a demonstrable symptom, I haven't quite got to the point of tearing my hair out, but I might well be economising on the barbers fees vey shortly!

[Smallkat]

You can't count anything out on old bikes. People sometimes do the most horrendous bodges and just plain stupid things.

[johnD]

Amen to those sentiments Smallkat.

Just for your entertainment, this is the rotor lined up with the arrow timing mark lined up with the detaent on the crankcase, No. 1 cylinder TDC. This is where the spark should be occuring.

The two other white dots are where the spark actually occurs, this with the pickup coil normally wired and with the coil leads reversed. Looking at this, it does seem to me that the distance between those clutch mounting 'pins' is the same as the difference in the firing points. Now all I need is a jungle method to remove the clutch starter. Loathe to use a three jaw puller as the only way to get a grip is on that rather fragile looking gear wheel behind the clutch.

Might be up for a visit this weekend, Smallkat, if you are available.
Cheers.

[Smallkat]

I just can't see how it could get this wrong! It looks like the rotor is aligned with a single woodruff key, so it can only be mounted in one way. There can't be two grooves. Or are you thinking the rotor has been re-rivetted 1/3 of a turn wrong?

I'm around at the weekend, but the rugby starts at 3.15 Saturday, so we'd have to be done before then! Actually, I will make sure Smallkat starts tomorrow first. She's been unused for a week or so.

[johnD]

Interesting, isn't it!
I was thinking of Sunday, get the Aprilia out to shake a few cobwebs off, if that's convenient.
Cheers.

[Smallkat]

What would the plan be? To try the 10D igniter on mine?

[johnD]

Hi Smallkat. Yes, indeed, it will eliminate one of the possibile components. BTW, this ISN'T a 10D00, its a generic Chinese unit, marked CDI-1 and marketed as a direct replacement for the GSXR, as well as all the other flavours of 400.... so who knows?
Just to check, is yours running OK?
If Sunday is OK can you e mail me your address details please.
Cheers

[johnD]

Heh, heh...... The other type of rotor/starter clutch arrived today..... Yes, you've guessed it..... Bit reluctant to get going after all the indignities, but she runs, smooth, quiet and, well... SHE BLOODY WELL RUNS!!!!

Refer back to the two rotor diagrams and the newly arrived is the first one, lord knows what the second type that was fitted to mine is off but... there you go!

A bit more of a cheery, Cheers!

A P.S. I'll post up pictures of the different rotors for future reference. To remove the starter clutch/rotor unit, should your clutch fail: (lots of) Heat the rotor unit, especially around the center boss. Use a couple of wedges between the starter gear and the clutch, drive in, but you dont need to get Medieval. Kep the heat going and gentle taps on the wedges, (I used two long, heavy duty flat head screwdrivers), it will just pop off, much to my relief!