The Hodaka Club Forum

Since January, I’ve been aggravated by this Super Rat which wouldn’t get spark at the plug. Changed numerous parts, numerous times, and NOTHING.

Talked with Dale on Wednesday and did some meter testing. Then Dale sent me to get a 6 volt lantern battery.

Tested with the battery and with a ground to the motor and touching a wire to the screw on the points, I got spark at the plug!

Dale told me to grab a piece of paper and wet it with acetone and clean the points with it by trapping it in the gap and pulling it out several times. And VOILA!!! Spark at the plug!

Dale explained about human error putting too much glazing on the points. The acetone cleaned it enough to free up the metal points!

At last I have spark! Today I can get fuel line and fire this dog up!!! I was not aware this could happen! In 10 bikes this is the only one that has ever given me this kind of problem with multiple points. When people talked about cleaning the points, I always thought it was from post sitting oxidization or rust! Never knew about the possibility of new points having an issue like this!

From now on, I will clean all new points in this manner BEFORE installation, just to eliminate the possibility!!! Victor

That’s a pretty cool tech tip and I’m sure it made your day.
Thanks for sharing !

Yes it sure did make my day! I was jumping up & down with glee!!! Victor

Does it start and run, does it fire up?? --------- Clarence

A strip of thin paper placed through the slot in the flywheel and between the points can also be used as a surprisingly accurate way to set the timing. Pull gently on the paper strip while VERY slowly turning the flywheel by hand, and the paper should come loose just as the timing marks line up. A kind neighbor taught me that back in 1970 or so, working on my first Hodaka. He was was an FAA inspector, as well as being a truly gifted mechanic and machinist. He had grown up on a farm in Oklahoma and been a pilot in WWII. The only tools needed are your screwdrivers and a piece of thin paper, and if you follow up with a meter you will be amazed at the accuracy.

-Stever

Cellophane was the traditional material for setting the points. A little tape piece for a 'handle' on the cellophane strip helps you put the gentle pressure on it to feel when the points just begin to open.