1968 Corsarino won't start :(

The US model was called Pirate
Post Reply
User avatar
jennybgood
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Jul 2019, 13:49
Location: Den Haag

1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by jennybgood » 31 Jul 2019, 17:32

Ugh!
I can not for the life of me get my beautiful "new" 1967 Moto Morini Corsarino to start.
On the first Kick, it has a bit of grab but does not take.
Each kick after that feels even looser.

I'm new to bike ownership, but I though buying something "totally refurbished" would get me on my way...

I'm hoping it's something simple.
I leave for a Bike Rally in GB 7 August...

Any local enthusiasts care to come over?
Den Haag, near Centraal Station.
I can offer a meal in return.

Cheers,
Jen
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

350-v-twin
Site Admin
Posts: 1267
Joined: 25 Feb 2009, 16:06
Location: Den Haag (NL)
Contact:

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by 350-v-twin » 31 Jul 2019, 17:42

Hi Jen,

To start your bike you need:
1. fresh petrol,
2. compression,
3. spark.

Do you have a spark? Hold the metal side of the sparkplug against bare metal of the engine and kick the bike over.

Compression, if low, can be caused by wrong valve setting. Also other problems can cause low compression, but valve clearance should be the first to be checked.

(Unfortunately, due to circumstances I cannot hop over to give you a hand).

User avatar
jennybgood
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Jul 2019, 13:49
Location: Den Haag

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by jennybgood » 31 Jul 2019, 20:18

Thanks for the info!
You've been more than generous with taking the time to share already.

350-v-twin
Site Admin
Posts: 1267
Joined: 25 Feb 2009, 16:06
Location: Den Haag (NL)
Contact:

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by 350-v-twin » 31 Jul 2019, 22:03

Considering your timeframe (7th of August), my advice would be to bring the bike to Bolman Motoren at Zonweg (off Binckhorstlaan). You can walk there from Central Station. I am sure they can help you out. Probably it is something small, like the on/off switch that keeps hanging in the off position, or similar.

Or the fueltap, so the engine does not get petrol. My guess it's something simple

User avatar
jennybgood
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Jul 2019, 13:49
Location: Den Haag

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by jennybgood » 02 Aug 2019, 07:04

Is there an On/Off switch?
I can't find one for the life of me, nor could my experienced friend (rode through South America and more...)
Photos show the only spots that any switching can be done on this bike.

Otherwise, yes, happy to walk to Bolman's.

Cheers,
Jen
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

350-v-twin
Site Admin
Posts: 1267
Joined: 25 Feb 2009, 16:06
Location: Den Haag (NL)
Contact:

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by 350-v-twin » 02 Aug 2019, 09:32

The switch connects to mass if you switch the engine off. (After it started grrr). If it continues to connect to mass, the bike will never fire up, because the energy for the spark is lead to, . . . . mass. In other words, the circuit is then short cut.

Fueltap looks allright. Does it work nomally?

Best is indeed to pay Bolman a visit.

User avatar
jennybgood
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Jul 2019, 13:49
Location: Den Haag

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by jennybgood » 02 Aug 2019, 10:29

Yes, but what is the switch, anything showing in the photo?
I've now had a 2nd technically minded guy here but we don't know what the switch is.

mvg,
Jen

User avatar
jennybgood
Posts: 10
Joined: 19 Jul 2019, 13:49
Location: Den Haag

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by jennybgood » 02 Aug 2019, 16:11

fyi

Thought I'd record the further diagnostics for future reference in this forum.

I took the Morini to a well experienced Motorbike mechanic and former racer.
He was about to go on vacation but was keen to give it a go, so they checked all the electrics, the spark plug test, removed the tank to check the kill switch wires, checked grounding (massa) all around. Still it will not start.

I guess next is to change the oil and/or go into the engine.

Thanks for the help so far!
Jen

350-v-twin
Site Admin
Posts: 1267
Joined: 25 Feb 2009, 16:06
Location: Den Haag (NL)
Contact:

Re: 1968 Corsarino won't start :(

Post by 350-v-twin » 02 Aug 2019, 16:54

Hi, see previous message about no spark.

Even "wrong" oil can cause the clutch to slip, which means the flywheel (part of the alternator) won't rotate, thus won't generate the electric energy necessary for a spark.

Car engine oil contains certain "dopes" for non friction, yet in a motorcycle with wet clutch you need that friction for the clutchplates to not slip.

So use proper motorcycle oil in right quantaty and thickness/weight.

Post Reply