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New Coils use ballast resistor and resistor caps?

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  • #1

    New Coils use ballast resistor and resistor caps?

    I've got a 79 xs1100 special. It has factory coils, a ballast resistor and 5K caps I believe; all factory and untouched. Anyway, long story short, I ran the coils with the wires disconnected while hooking up my sache ignition system and I'm pretty sure I've kill the 2 and 3 cylinder coil; weak spark and the cylinders don't fire.

    My question is, if I buy a set of Dyna coils, do I still use the ballast resistor? Since the wires and caps are being replaced as well, do I need to use 5K resistance caps as well?

    Sorry if there is an answer to these two questions, but I searched and searched the forum and couldn't find I definite answer.

    Thanks guys

    Joey
    Tags: None
  • #2
    For the ballast resistor, it depends on which coils you buy; if you look at the original tip in the 'repairs' forum (http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4868), if you use 1.5 ohm coils you still need the resistor. Switching to 3 ohm coils is better as it eliminates the resistor and gives a hotter spark.

    As to the plug cap resistors, they're really not needed for operation of the bike BUT you will generate radio-frequency interference if running the OEM non-resistor plugs (and maybe even with resistor plugs). This may or may not cause you trouble (police don't like stuff that interferes with their radios), your call. But the resistor plug caps are cheap ($3-5 each), will allow you to run more-durable solid-core wires, and are easy to replace if one fails.

    edit: I missed the bit about the aftermarket ignition; you'll need to check it's specs to see what primary coil resistance it's rated for....
    Last edited by crazy steve; 04-25-2012, 10:11 AM.
    Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

    '78E original owner - resto project
    '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
    '82 XJ rebuild project
    '80SG restified, red SOLD
    '79F parts...
    '81H more parts...

    Other current bikes:
    '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
    '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
    '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
    Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
    Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

    Comment

    • #3
      awesome thanks man. 3 ohm coils, no ballast, resistor caps, and new wires on the way. I really appreciate the input.

      Comment

      • #4
        If you use Iridium plugs, you can remove the resistors in the plug caps or use non-resistor ones. Iridium plugs have built-in resistors.
        XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

        Comment

        • #5
          ok cool. I may do that. I've read they do help out our bikes a good bit. Thanks

          Comment

          • #6
            Originally posted by joeysr20det View Post
            ok cool. I may do that. I've read they do help out our bikes a good bit. Thanks
            I use them in all bikes I have. Well worth it, especially on the XS1100's which do have a weak spark at the best of times...
            XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

            Comment

            • #7
              Are XJ coils the same as the 81 XS?
              Greg

              Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

              ― Albert Einstein

              80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

              The list changes.

              Comment

              • #8
                Originally posted by BA80 View Post
                Are XJ coils the same as the 81 XS?
                Supposed to be... I checked my XJ coils a few days ago to see if they were both good (one is bad) and looked up the factory specs. Primary resistance is 2.5 ohms (not the 3 ohms generally noted for the '81 coil) and secondary resistance is only 11K ohms.
                Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                '78E original owner - resto project
                '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                '82 XJ rebuild project
                '80SG restified, red SOLD
                '79F parts...
                '81H more parts...

                Other current bikes:
                '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                Comment

                • #9
                  The coils on my SG are off of a SH but I'm still running the resistor. I need to check the numbers and see if I can remove the resistor I guess.
                  Greg

                  Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

                  ― Albert Einstein

                  80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.

                  The list changes.

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    The earlier 1.5 ohm coils should be stamped "run with a ballast resistor" and the later 3 ohm units are not stamped.
                    2H7 (79) owned since '89
                    3H3 owned since '06

                    "If it ain't broke, modify it"

                    ☮

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Originally posted by crazy steve View Post
                      edit: I missed the bit about the aftermarket ignition; you'll need to check it's specs to see what primary coil resistance it's rated for....

                      Steve, he misspelled the ignition name, it's Sachse, here's their web page, german, but they have broken english, then browse to the XS1100 model selection!

                      http://www.elektronik-sachse.de/index_en.htm

                      In both their description and later in their installation instructions:
                      http://www.elektronik-sachse.de/ZDG3..._xs1100_en.htm they refer to the TCI as a CDI, but they don't mention any need for any other low resistance coils. Part of their specs says something about Controlled Dwell angle....maintaining a 4 ms dwell angle/time throughout the rpm range to allow the coils to have enough time to properly "charge" before discharging.

                      SO....it looks like a system that is designed to work with the older style coils, not the newer low resistance CDI type coils!

                      T.C.
                      T. C. Gresham
                      81SH "Godzilla" . . .1179cc super-rat.
                      79SF "The Teacher" . . .basket case!
                      History shows again and again,
                      How nature points out the folly of men!

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        If it's got 'dwell control', that means it can run the newer style coils like Dyna's 'minature' series. I looked at these for replacement of the stock coils (much better physical fit), but the OEM ignitions' lack of dwell control ruled them out...
                        Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                        '78E original owner - resto project
                        '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                        '82 XJ rebuild project
                        '80SG restified, red SOLD
                        '79F parts...
                        '81H more parts...

                        Other current bikes:
                        '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                        '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                        '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                        Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                        Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          I'm finally getting a chance this afternoon to put my coils in. I got the Dyna 3 ohm coils, gonna bypass the ballast resistor, an I got NGK 5K caps. You guys have any advice on possibly a big spark plug gap? Or probably just stay stock?

                          Comment

                          • #14
                            If you decide to open the gap up, don't go over .035". Stock is .028-.032", most use .030". I'd stick with the stock gap...
                            Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two

                            '78E original owner - resto project
                            '78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
                            '82 XJ rebuild project
                            '80SG restified, red SOLD
                            '79F parts...
                            '81H more parts...

                            Other current bikes:
                            '93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
                            '86 XL883/1200 Chopper
                            '82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
                            Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
                            Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...

                            Comment

                            • #15
                              ok I'll stick with 030.

                              One more silly question and I think I'm good. Does anyone know if the 1100 will run on open pipes; no mufflers/baffles? I imagine this bike has to have some sort of back pressure to run well.

                              I just ask because I'm rebuilding my bike from scratch and the super traps that were on it were half dented closed and pretty much destroyed. So right now I just have the stock pipes minus mufflers.

                              Comment

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