It was indeed Nelly's earth, the small black plug was transmitting power but the earth connection was poor so as a temporary measure I've removed the plug and socket and connected 2 small jumper cables across. Lovely, healthy, fat, blue spark! I felt like streaking down the street! Still not had the bike running, all the turning over without running has flattened the battery a touch, now on charge and will give things a go tomorrow. Fingers crossed!!! Thanks to all for their help thus far
glad you seem to have found the culprit this is what ducati ownership is all about help and advice and swearing like fuck at an inanimate object
Amen to the swearing like fuck! Thought I'd give it a go today seeing as it the last day of my winter break, would it start? Would it buggery! Good spark, new plugs, definitely got fuel and I think we're good on the air side. This bike is seriously trying my patience.
Tied the jump leads too. Think the earlier attempts may have flooded it. Airing her off at the moment and will revisit later today. So close but so far!
Excellent question. I'll have to check, not had them out myself but the bike hasn't run since a previous trip to the garage so I wonder if the mechy there has put them back wrong
I used to flood mine when I first had her by throttling to start would do all that you say but not fire up and I would have to dry plugs out I put mine on full choke before starting up then just turned key NO THROTTLE and she started like a good un If won't go on first try stop turn off and start again She will rev at high revs just lower choke slowly otherwise will stall Once you get the hang of it bobs your uncle Fingers crossed this is the answer
As a contrast to a lot of what is on the news these days, for me the overall contents of this thread are an excellent testimony to the good intentions of this Forum with everyone chipping in and helping - you don't get such a friendly atmosphere on the majority of similar Forums (that I have visited anyway) Keep going Jim, you are bound to get there
one thing to be said about these old air cooled bikes you can work on them and fault find (and you will find faults ) with basic tools and some common sense (although I am not admitting to having any common sense) not like the new breed of mechanical beasts which you have more chance fixing with your smartphone with the right app of course
I must say again, thanks for all the assistance, you've all been great! Dry plugs, help from the car and a little dribble of easystart and she was away. Took it for a little whirl round the block and all seems pretty good. The only thing now is after 6 months, many £ and a lot of man hours I'm back at the issue that highlighted my head problems in the first place...refusal to idle without a bit of throttle opening...:tearsofjoy: I think I'll call it a day at that, next port of call is a bit of tuning and a new battery.
