Help!!! Ignition problem

[Keithh]

Hello all! I was hoping to finally get the new project fired up today, but instead got lots of frustration! The bike is a 79 XS11 standard. When I got it, it had no spark. After cleaning and tightening the connections, sparks were back. Now, when I am getting ready to put in new plugs and try to fire it up - no spark again. Here is the weird thing - if I keep the starter button pushed and move the engine kill switch on the right handle bar to the off position, it keeps cranking and makes sparks just fine. Move it back to the run position, no sparks! I checked continuity, voltage, looking for something grounded - everything appears to be as it should. I MUST be overlooking something! Any thoughts??? Much appreciated! The irony of it all is that my 37 year old British bike which should have all sorts of electrical issues runs great. The Japanese bike is giving me fits!!!!

Thanks

Keith

[jetmechmarty]

move the engine kill switch on the right handle bar to the off position, it keeps cranking and makes sparks just fine.

Fix or replace the kill switch.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Keith,

Marty got it right, you found the problem and didn't know it!

The kill switch gets corroded, etc, you can/should/need to take it apart, clean it up, check for loose unsoldered wires, etc, put it back together and it should work fine. The switch GROUNDS the power to the TCI and that's how it KILLS the engine, tci won't work=no sparky! The center position(run) should be an OPEN circuit, not connecting the 2 wires that run to it together, when the switch is thrown, it completes the circuit to GROUND shunting the power for the TCI.

T.C.

[crazy steve]

...The switch GROUNDS the power to the TCI and that's how it KILLS the engine, tci won't work=no sparky! The center position(run) should be an OPEN circuit, not connecting the 2 wires that run to it together, when the switch is thrown, it completes the circuit to GROUND shunting the power for the TCI....

Uh, no, that's not how it works.... The 'off/run/off' switch at the handlebars is the main power feed to the ignition and starter circuit. In the 'run' position, this switch is closed (continuity) and the bike should start/run. If you're able to get the starter to turn with it in either 'off' position, it's got serious corrosion problems or you have some FUBARed wiring. Check the switch first, thoroughly cleaning it until the contacts are shiny copper.

The switch that grounds the ignition is the tip-over switch, located under the tank above the coils....

[BA80]

Steve is right TC. When I first got my XS the switch was gone and the 2 red wires were twisted together so it would run.

It is the tip over switch that grounds the ignition.

[Keithh]

Thanks for all the advise - some good directions to pursue! I'll keep you posted!

[Keithh]

Hey folks - the problem is fixed! I cleaned the handle bar switch (really didn't look bad at all - but with electric, you never know!) and did a few other checks and - the sparks are back and the start stops when you shift to the off position - just like it should. Next we put in some gas!

Thanks for the advise!

Keith