PVL Ignition

My 84-500XC has PVL ignition, had it when I got it. Had alot of trouble starting it with spark related problems. tested everything as stated in the troubleshooting guide.Called penton for help and they were very helpfull but had no other ideas. Came down to the hold down bolts holding the stator to the ign. plate was flexing. This was causing the rotor to slightly touch the stator which would cause a direct short=no spark. Would run once every 20 kicks after tongue was hanging out. Checked air gap with paper and was fine but after wrapping paper all the way around rotor it would pinch in very front of rotor/stator. One thing they told me is you cannot use any type of resistor plug, not enough spark to fire thru a resistor plug? I run a B8EG NGK, they recommended a Iridium plug, NGK doesnt sell a IR plug in the states, UK only, something about the outboard engine two stroke faze out-nice. In all honestly, I think my MotoPlat on my 82-430, 82-250 has better spark. This might save someone else alot of "kicks" Scott

I have a PVL on one of my bikes and it runs great, but is hard starting. I think PVLs are great for 250cc an under displacements, but not so much for big bores, especially if you are switching from an external (larger) rotor ignition to the internal (smaller) rotor PVL. IMHO.

My friend runs them on his two Hodaka's, 125's and loves them. I think your right about the smaller displacements and rotor size. I think it has alot to do with how fast they are spun, have to kick mine like stomping a rattlesnake. I wonder if the MZB being external would be better/easier starting on a large bore?

Hello RUWFO...

Understand the procedure... What does turning off the petcock accomplish?

Thanks John for the info. Now that I have got the proper gap around the rotor/stator it fires right up. I have always turned the petcock off untill it runs. My dad had a 501 Maico when I was a little kid and he always did that. I asked him why and he said kicking it bounces the float and the gas tank is gravity feed, all the weight of the gas on that little needle/seat. Been my habit ever since, he says I never listened-just the important stuff.

BTW, my backing plate for PVL cracked but that was after 3 yrs hard racing. no way i'd go back to motoplat but if yours is running & you like it then no need to switch, just know that someday it'll die and you'll have to figure out is it the lower or upper unit?

running a Denso IW24 (NGK B8EV eqiv.) plug will help the motoplat`s