Triumph Tigress TW2, Service Sheet

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Service Sheet No. 1052 (cont.)
In other words the maximum " magneto " performance of the alternator can only be obtained when the piston
is accurately set to the timing position recommended, i.e., 5 ° before top dead centre.
Faulty Circuit Connections
Faulty or dirty connections anywhere in the alternator electrical circuit will obviously have a bad effect on
performance. The points to watch for particularly are bad earth connections at the battery and rectifier. Both
units are connected to the frame of the machine and a periodic check should be made to see that they are clean and
tight. Remember that the battery "+VE "terminal is the one earthed to the frame of the machine.
Dirty Contacts or Incorrect Contact Gap Setting
The contact-breaker points should be periodically checked and cleaned if necessary, also the gap should be
checked and maintained at its correct setting, i.e., 0.014" - 0.016". This applies to both contact-breaker units.
Dirty Plugs or Incorrect Gap Setting
Plug gaps should be periodically checked and if necessary adjusted to the required gap, i.e., .020"-.025". It is
also very important that the external insulator is kept clean and dry. Plugs should be replaced if the electrodes
are badly worn.
Faulty Rectifier
A rectifier can be faulty, due to aging which is an inherent characteristic, even though its external appearance
may suggest it is in good working order. There is only one way of finding out and that is by removing it from
the machine and carrying out a bench test.
Rectifiers should be kept clean and dry and so fitted as to allow air to circulate freely through the
plates for cooling purpose.
Dirty or Corroded Battery Terminals
Battery connections should be kept clean and tight, particularly the one made to the frame of the
machine. It is also important to keep the top of the battery clean and dry.
Sulphated Battery
A sulphated battery is usually the result of lack of maintenance, i.e., failure to maintain the electrolyte at the
specified level, and allowing the battery to remain for long periods in a partially charged or discharged condition. A
regular check on each cell should be made to see if it requires " topping-up " and if necessary distilled water should
be added to the electrolyte to bring it up to the correct level.