No spark while cranking.........

[fabricgator]

Hi Dan,

Now that is what I was also kinda thinking in the back of my mind..
Especially how it didn't work, it worked, and then it didn't work as normal.... I know there is a relay in the circuit, it could also be a loose contact somewhere, but it seemed like a relay..

Nice to meet you and thanks for your two cents...

Kurt

[DiverRay]

Kurt,
Take a CLOSE look at the connectors BEHIND the fuse block. There is a 6 pole connector from the alt. that can get hot and melt. You may have to replace the individual connectors on the wires to get that working correctly. Geezer sells all the connectors, including the white nylon, at a reasonable price.
Welcome to/back to XS!

[dbeardslee]

Huh?

If it kicks enough to bump the relay, then yeah.
Otherwise, no start= no light.

Mine usually catches real fast (just a quick bump of the starter), but I just went out in an ice-cold garage and tried it, and you're right - my bad.

[fredintoon]

- - - - I have another symptom that may be indicative...
I noted that when I first turned on the power, that the headlight did not illuminate. - - - Anyway, as I was trying for a start, at one point, the headlight came on as usual, slightly dimming when cranking, and then other times it would not. - - - My 10 amp ignition fuse holder has a broken ear so I did a quick solder it to the fuse for a temp repair. - - -

Hi Kurt,
that's how the headlight is supposed to work. It don't come on until the alternator starts charging. Then it's latched on until you turn the key off.
If the motor fires but don't catch, that ultra-brief engine run will be enough to turn it on and leave it on to compete with the starter and ignition for battery power.
But first, do T.C.'s spade fuse conversion to lose those nasty unreliable failure-prone stock fuses.

[cywelchjr]

Hi Kurt,
that's how the headlight is supposed to work. It don't come on until the alternator starts charging. Then it's latched on until you turn the key off.
If the motor fires but don't catch, that ultra-brief engine run will be enough to turn it on and leave it on to compete with the starter and ignition for battery power.
But first, do T.C.'s spade fuse conversion to lose those nasty unreliable failure-prone stock fuses.

Actually mine will sometimes come on before the first fire. Of course I guess it's that it's turning over fast enough to produce the needed pulse from the alternator coil, but then it's usually fired and running before I'm at all worried about it.

[MeatTooth]

Don't forget the tip over switch when troubleshooting a no spark condition. I spent hours troubleshooting a no/weak spark and it was the tip over. Once disconnected the bike ran perfect no backfiring or missing.

[XJOK2PLAY]

Fabricgator...
Forgive me, but I don't see in your signature what type of bike you have...

Is it an XS or an XJ?

If it's an XJ, another switch in the circuit could be the side stand switch....

If ya get time, you might think about adding that to your sig so we know which year & bike ya got... Thanks!
Bob

[fabricgator]

Thank you again guys...

As requested, I think I figured out my signature...

So thus is the "Reserve Lighting Unit"?
Saves the battery until you begin to charge?

[bikerphil]

The headlight relay is the one up above the coils, which saves the battery until the bike fires. the reserve lighting unit switches filliments in the headlight bulb is case one burns out.