Reviving a dead Seagull

[EdEssery]

I have a 1970 Seagull Forty Featherweight which has lain unused in the garden shed for several years. It was working when it went in there.

Over the winter I have retrieved it, cleaned the tank and the carburettor, given it a fresh fuel/oil mixture and a new spark plug. No joy - it simply won't start.

If I put the plug on the lead and hold it against the head and pull the starting cord there is no detectable spark.

Any ideas and/or tips for getting it going? Or is it consigned to pushing up the daisies?

Any help/suggestions appreciated...

Ed



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[Johnjo]

possibly the condenser! could also check the HT lead

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[snowleopard]

with almost all pre-electronic ignition systems, chances are the points are corroded. you may get away with cleaning with a bit of fine emery paper or you may need to replace them.



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[Forbsie]

If you still have problems, have a look at <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/>Saving Old Seagulls</A> in their FAQ pages. Failing that, give John Williams a call (number on the site).

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[JimMcMillan]

The answer is almost certain to be electronic and dampness.Points,coil and condenser.Take off flywheel(if I remember correctly there is a puller incorporated in the start rope plate)clean points,remove coil and heat in oven at low for 10mins,refit and rebuild (condenser not likely prob)fit new spark plug,check carb jets and float chamber for water drops and provided you now have a spark it should go.

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[NigelAmes]

If you do end up having to buy new points DON'T buy Seagull ones unless you are a multi-millionaire. Take the points to someone who repairs lawnmowers, particularly Suffolk Punch. The points will be a fraction of the price.

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