3CL engine won't stop!

P

pfg49

New member
Location
Southampton UK
I've just bought an early 3CL from France, so I'm new here. Nice bike, except when you turn it off at the ignition switch, the engine doesn't stop. It has a switch mounted on the airbox, which when you follow the wiring, earths out the coils! This can't be right, it has also had the indicators removed, which I can't see would be connected. It has a two fuse wiring loom which I'm having difficulty finding a wiring diagram for, and a very odd looking plasticy/ceramicy unmarked voltage regulator with five terminals, and no charging light. I'm not wonderful with electrics, any ideas please?
 
Early 3CL so it's a CDI ignition system?
Basically 3 mini coils under the tank coming from one integral black box.
These should have a kill relay fitted, usually found at the back of the tank and wired into the connector block there.
Unless your wiring has been comprehensively messed with I would suggest to find and replace the kill relay. (black plastic cylinder with wires coming out of it.
 
Doesn't have a proper regulator either, just a rectifier and a giant battery to act as a buffer.  Charge lights rarely connected too...

piet
 
Guess any old changeover relay would do the trick for the time being.  When switched off, the relay earths the pick-ups, cuts the ignition.

Highly recommended to replace the CDI with something more modern anyway.  Rarely come across one that still works as it should, usually advance/retard on centre cylinder is knackered.  Not dangerous if stuck on full advance, if stuck on full retard, it's only a matter of time when the centre piston experiences terminal meltdown...

piet
 
AFAIK there are only three options available.

Ignitech: Probably the cheapest solution, but you have to do your homework with respect to adapting it to the original pickups and the engine, programming yourself the advance curves etc. Will not improve the charging output of the alternator, respectively will reduce it, as the new igniton will add load.

DMC2: Electronic ignition especially designed for Laverda triples, proven and reliable system with, roughly guessed, well over 20yrs of track record and development on it, simple to install, you can select between a bunch preset advance curves. Runs with the original pickups. The DMC ignition kit contains an additional charging coil for the alternator, wich replaces the CDI charge coil. This will lift the charge output of the original alternator up to 150W peak. Replacing the original rectifier by a modern R/R is recommended. I have this kit installed on my 3C and am very satisfied, it did not miss a beat during the last 4yrs, battery was never on external charger during that same period.

Redax/Sachse: Total replacement of the entire original hardware, including new generator, flywheel and R/R, providing charge in excess of 300 Watts. AFAIK hall triggered electronic ingition, especially designed to suit the series 1 triples. Have no own experiences, but many positive comments to be found in this forum. There is IMHO no alternative to this system if you want to run power hungry appliances like 100W bulbs, satnav, heated grips/vests etc. on your Laverda.

Take your choice...
 
Whatever system you go with you need to upgrade the alternator as the original is gutless and won't keep the battery charged if you want to ride with the headlight on. Have the earlier Redax/Sasche unit and it is a revelation. Easy to fit and no computer knowledge required to get the thing programmed. Liked it so much also threw a Sasche ignition onto the Le Mans.
 
The Redax system now utilises the Ignitech system.
I have fitted several Redax systems, easy to fit, great instructions.
Replaces alternator, ignition boxes and pick ups and regulator/rectifier.
I have also fitted several Witt DMC systems, the only downside is it utilises original 40 year old ignition pick ups, and the insulation on the wires is now very crumbly and worn by now.
The Witt and Sachse systems have pre-set ignition curves you can switch between, the Ignitech system is programmable from  PC, although effectively comes pre-set.
 
Last I heard he still had some Sasche systems available. May now be all gone of course.
 
Davo said:
Last I heard he still had some Sasche systems available. May now be all gone of course.
Click to expand...

I have some Sachse systems left but keep them mainly for any warranty claims that come up, have changed over to Ignitech now, they configure their boxes to suit the Hall Effect triggers we use
am very impressed with the Ignitech box
 
Simply put - Your Kill Ignition Switch isn't grounded, whether you use a Key or Toggle SX.

Personally I've given up on Prince Darkness Boshe Key Ignitions SX's and use Heavy Duty Toggles.

Just imagine your pulling away from an 18 wheeler on your ass and your ignition dies. He or She 's is all pumped up.
 
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