1981 Honda Express restoration thread. Trying to find the spark

[calebaaront]

Back in 2019 I purchased this little mean machine from a chap in Liverpool who owned it since 1989. With help from my Dad and Sister it was restored. 

In 2022 the engine decided it had enough after I did roughly 3k miles on it. So I left it at my parents house,

I think now I’ve got a bit more free time and money I’ll try and restore it again and document it on here. 
I’m planning on a full top end rebuild and possibly bottom end, the cylinder has been exposed for 3 years so I think a rebuild is defo necessary although the engine isn’t seized.

This isn’t going to a be a quick restoration and will take a few months. Stay tuned for updates on here. 

[Shandylegs]

I enjoyed the one I bought.

Although some parts are still available,  anything out of the ordinary is getting difficult to find now though.

[calebaaront]

Already made some progress, managed to unseize the brakes. I’ve tried to get some spark but had no luck. I’ve cleaned and taken off the points. Re-gapped them and cleaned the spindle they sit on. Checked all earths going to coil and ignition. Still nothing, any ideas? Also took the exhaust off and found out it was quite rusty 😳

[petermcpete]

Are you looking to keep it original, or have you considered fitting an electronic ignition (if available)? If you're using it a lot i've found on other mopeds they can be a massive reliability upgrade.

[calebaaront]

4 minutes ago, petermcpete said:

Are you looking to keep it original, or have you considered fitting an electronic ignition (if available)? If you're using it a lot i've found on other mopeds they can be a massive reliability upgrade.

I’m not too fussed about originality, I retrofitted a 2 speed engine a few years back. I’ve got a feeling my no spark issue may be the stator or coil/condenser. I’ll ask on the Honda Express FB group if anyone has fitted EI to an Express. 

[RetroShite]

I've got a couple of these, they're good fun. I've also a spare engine which looks to be in much better condition than yours.

[calebaaront]

1 hour ago, RetroShite said:

I've got a couple of these, they're good fun. I've also a spare engine which looks to be in much better condition than yours.

They’re awesome little machines, main reason I’m restoring this one is to relive the fun I used to have on it. Is your spare engine a 2 speed by any chance? 👀

[castros_bro]

Your points picture doesn't show the rotor which needs to be fitted for ignition to work. Sorry if that's granny sucking eggs info. Mine rotted an hole in fuel tank after being left outside over winter.

[calebaaront]

28 minutes ago, castros_bro said:

Your points picture doesn't show the rotor which needs to be fitted for ignition to work. Sorry if that's granny sucking eggs info. Mine rotted an hole in fuel tank after being left outside over winter.

Even with the Rotor on there was still nothing, I took it off to take the points off and clean/regap them. I’m going to investigate the stator with a 6v bulb and see if I’m getting any life. If there is life I’ll put it down to the coil being toast 

[RetroShite]

8 hours ago, calebaaront said:

They’re awesome little machines, main reason I’m restoring this one is to relive the fun I used to have on it. Is your spare engine a 2 speed by any chance? 👀

No idea, I ended up with a few of these and a bunch of spares including an engine with wheel attached. I've never heard it run but it does wind up and turn over fine.

[calebaaront]

18 hours ago, RetroShite said:

No idea, I ended up with a few of these and a bunch of spares including an engine with wheel attached. I've never heard it run but it does wind up and turn over fine.

If you were to ever part with it, how much would you be after? Just incase my engine is absolutely fooked

[calebaaront]

Been a while! 
 

Had some time to dig the Express out and investigate further. 
After messing around with my multimeter I’ve managed to found out why I have  no spark. Turns out the coil is toast. 
Points & Magneto are both working fine according to the multimeter. 
Anyone know where I can get a coil/condenser from? It’s a 6v unit ( TEC FL501AC) 

the only one for sale is £340! Surely there is a modern alternative? 
 

 

[UltraWomble]

16 minutes ago, calebaaront said:

Been a while! 
 

Had some time to dig the Express out and investigate further. 
After messing around with my multimeter I’ve managed to found out why I have  no spark. Turns out the coil is toast. 
Points & Magneto are both working fine according to the multimeter. 
Anyone know where I can get a coil/condenser from? It’s a 6v unit ( TEC FL501AC) 

the only one for sale is £340! Surely there is a modern alternative? 
 

 

https://www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/6v-ac-ignition-coil-single-output-1-wire-55mm/1/005135?bike=10514

Buy 2 and make some money.

£13

[calebaaront]

9 minutes ago, UltraWomble said:

https://www.motorcycleproducts.co.uk/6v-ac-ignition-coil-single-output-1-wire-55mm/1/005135?bike=10514

Buy 2 and make some money.

£13

Thank you,

only issue is this one doesn’t have the built in condenser. Worst case I’ll have to wire one in but I’d like to avoid that if possible 

[UltraWomble]

9 minutes ago, calebaaront said:

Thank you,

only issue is this one doesn’t have the built in condenser. Worst case I’ll have to wire one in but I’d like to avoid that if possible 

Given the cost, that would be my choice, a simple 6v one from pretty much anything 6v will do the job.

[UltraWomble]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186861305286?_skw=2FastMoto+Moped+Scooter+6+Volt+6v+Ignition+Coil+With+Condenser+Electrical+Honda&itmmeta=01KE2MT5EQCE0QC201XVHM07XH&hash=item2b81cd3dc6:g:NZMAAeSwbTRpHT8z

£38 - says its for a 125 but its a 6v coil and condenser and I cant see why it wouldnt do the job its got the right number of wires.

[calebaaront]

Coil arrived today,

still no spark. Points are cleaned and gap is okay,

this is the reading I’m getting from the coil when the points are open, this is way out my comfort zone! 
any ideas?