erratic loss of power

[proctor1]

I was riding the other day and suddenly the roar from my pipes changed notes. One or more of the cylindars was no longer opperating. The problem was spuratic, sometimes for just a short distance and others for several miles. The first thing I did was check to make sure my fuel level was Ok and it was. The problem came and went over the corse of a 20-30 mile ride. I will be picking up a lazer thermometer so I can see which cylindars are dropping if it happens again. I will pull plugs tomorrow and check their condition. I have noticed a week response from the battery at start-up. Could a week battery possibly be efecting the spark consistancy and causing this response?

[DGXSER]

Sounds an awful lot like the notorious Pick-up coil wires to me. Especially if the coming and going seemed to coincide with throttle action at all.

[tw1980]

Yep I'd be very surprised if it wasn't the pick up wires. Terry

[proctor1]

The drop of one or more cylinders was constant for up to a few miles even when I backed out of the throttle.

[petejw]

if you pull the left side timing cover
off and give those pick up wires a wiggle/stretch
while the engine is running,
itll soon let you know if its the cause.

[MindWebs]

i agree. Pick-ups.

please refer to here for repair instructions.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=543

[proctor1]

pick up wires

Ok, when I check the wires as described what will I find. Will I see sparks or will I experience a change in the motors running. If it is determined that they are the problem what do I do? Can I simply change the wires or do I need a new pick up coil?

[proctor1]

I see

Thanks MindWebs.

I wouldn't have had to ask that last questions if I simply followed instructions in the first place. The link is very good.

Thanks again.

[FANNING507]

Need a little more detail please

My wires are all neatly tucked in and covered up. I reached in with needle nose pliers, but wasn't able to really accomplish much. On the MNS, do we remove all the wire holders and the protective coating? The manual talks about using the multimeter to check resistance and continuity. From where to where? It's probably dumb questions, but my bike looks much different from the thread that shows how to perform the check. The wires seem to be very soft and flexible. But after my bike warms up it displays the symptoms you are describing.

[Ivan]

Kim, the easiest way to check for broken wires is to gently tug on them and feel for spots that pull like a rubber band. With the wire unbroken in them, they should feel solid. any breaks will stretch.

[proctor1]

Dosn't seem to be related to pick up

Several weeks and rides since I started this discussion and problem has returned. I have been on a few rides without incident. All of a sudden I am loosing one or more cylinders again. Wiggling the pick up wire while she is running has no effect. Could it be a failing coil? If so can you tell me how to check?
You notice I now refer to my XS as She......LOL

[3Phase]

Proctor, check the ballast resistor and coils with an Ohm meter.

Ballast Resistor: 1.6 Ohms
Coil Primary: 1.5 Ohms
Coil Secondary: 15K Ohms

The Red/White wires on the coils are the positive sides for both coils, the Orange and Grey wires are the individual coil negative sides.

[Ken Talbot]

Try the pick-up wires again, especially where they are held by a crimp at the bottom of the case. Loosen the crimp and give the wires some real tugging, more than just a bit of wiggling.

[79XS11F]

Sounds an awful lot like the notorious Pick-up coil wires to me. Especially if the coming and going seemed to coincide with throttle action at all.

I 2nd that ... Check them out closely.
Rob

[proctor1]

What the hell !!!

Dove into the ignition system tonight determined to find my gremlin. What I found has me perplx perp ...I'm stumped. The Excel coils on my 79 Special are providing a primary resistance of 3.5 instead of the suggested 1.5, the secondary reads 22.7 K ohms rather than the 15K ohms and there is no ballast resistor to be found anywhere near the coils or any where else for that matter. Can any one offer an explanation how this b_tch is running at all. Most of the time she does run quite well. I did find a horrible excuse for an electrical connection to one of the coils that I suspect may be my gremlin. Ran out of time so the wiring fix will take place the first chance I get followed by a test ride. Are the resistance readings I'm getting within a range that will allow my PITA to operate properly? And........ why no resistor?

Thanks to all much wiser than myself who are willing to share the wisdom.