Thread: Restoring grandfather's CT70, no spark

I just got my grandfather's 1974 candy topaz orange CT70 and I am trying to get it back into working condition. It was stored in a garage for the last 20 years. The engine seems to be fine, but I cannot get a spark. I have replaced the battery, so I suspect it is either the ignition coil, the wiring, or the spark plug. My knowledge about bikes is next to nothing so I was wondering if someone here could help me by telling me what is most likely wrong with it. I would perfer not to have to buy parts I may not need.

You should check the points. Sometimes the contact area needs cleaned. They're found under the small cover w/ 2 screws on the left side engine cover. Turn the flywheel untill you can see the contact point @ about 10:00. It needs to open up when the marks on the flywheel and cover line up. You can clean between the contacts w/ an emery board or folded piece of sandpaper. This is where your spark starts. If you need to get inside you'll need a flywheel puller for about $10. It doesn't take long to learn these little bikes. It'll be a rush when you hear that first CRACK on the plug! There is a lot of help here. I'm sure there's more to come. Good luck,
ez50

Make sure that carb is good and clean! When you take the carb off the bike you can make sure that all the old gas is gone. If you have a air compressor blow thru the gas line into the gas tank with the (gas cap off of course) to make sure the lines are free of debris, etc... Buy a couple of new plugs, change the oil, and as posted make sure the points are opening. You don't need to have a battery to run a CT70........ but DON'T try the lights without a battery as it the battery acts as a voltage regulator.
I think the 74's CT70's are the most "Blinged out" version of the Trail 70 every made! With the chrome on top of the rear shocks, headlight ears all chromed out and of course the seat trim.
Welcome to the insanity! And keep us posted on how your doing with "Grandpa's" old Honda.

If the bike has sat for 20 years it's almost certain the points are rusty. As already stated, clean them if you can, but a new set is pretty cheap too. Also, check the inside of your flywheel to make sure it isn't rusty as they will also prevent a spark from happening. Make sure the carb and gas tank is clean and rust free and the fuel lines are unclogged and not cracked/split from dry rot. I'd also spray a little Deep Creep into the cylinder and down the intake/exhaust holes to make sure everything is freed up before trying to kick it over. Depending on where the bike was stored, you might also want to check for varmint nests in the exhaust pipe.

Do it right and replace the points and condensor. A set of these does not cost much and is good preventive medicine. Put in a new plug and check your spark plug boot at the end of the plug wire to make sure it is making good contact with the wire. If after this you still do not have spark then its time to check the ignition coil, switch, and faulty wiring or it may also be that one of your copper coils or both are shot inside by the points and condensor. You have to remove the engine to get at the ignition coil so save that for last.

ok i am new to the ct 70s too and everyone says replace or clean the points .... ( i am 19 years old) i have never seen a point before so when i open the flywheel cover i really have no idea what i am looking for can somone reply with a pic or at least a detailed description of what i am looking for?

grab a service manual

Go here: http://planetminitrails.com/webboard/thread/13/842/

It is a PDF copy of CT70 Shop Manual on the resources & links forum. Click in the link in the first post to download the manual.

Look at pages 80-81, section 8 - regarding contact breaker point gap & ignition timing.

Have fun!
Paul

Originally Posted by CarPhreakD

grab a service manual

i am waiting on it in the mail and i didnt realize there was one that i could download thank you for pointing that out and with any luck the points will be the problem thank yall