Ignition Problems - NO SPARK

[dave1shere]

Hello Everyone,

This is my first time writing to the group. Have been restoring a 1980 XS from 2 different bikes (one was a 79 Special and the other was a 1980 Standard) that were given to me by a co-worker that was cleaning out his garage.

This forum has been very helpful in my putting this bike together.
Have run into one problem with trying to get in on the road. I have an intermittent problem with NO SPARK at the plugs. A friend of mine who is good with wiring and electronics has helped me verify that IT IS NOT THE COIL. We have also checked the wires to the coil and the ignition module. This is an intermittent problem - I have had the bike running and then for no reason, no spark at all...

Did the test as outlined by the posting by Paul Streit in his Ignition Overview. Everything seems to checkout, BUT just cannot get spark.

When test driven, when it was running, it did not die on the road, but the next day when I try to start it, it has no spark.

Appreciate any help.

Biketoberfest is coming up next weekend here in Daytona.

I want to show all the Harley Riders that a classic XS can run with the best of them.

Thanks a lot

Dave

[ratbyk]

No Spark

Have you checked the pickup coil wires? If not, go to the tech tips in the left hand column, search pickup coil wires and follow the suggestions. This has been a major flaw in all of the XS models.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk
82 FT500 "lilRat'
92 ZX11 Temptress

[John]

I'm not sure if the engine kill switch on the handlebar will allow you to crank the engine or not, but if it will allow you to crank it, but it still has no spark then that may be suspect, or the 'tip over' switch located under the fuel tank will cause a no spark condition. To find it, look for a black electrical component mounted to a cross tube between the frame rails. you should be able to unplug it to test if that is the problem. It grounds the ignition system out and kills the engine.

[Hepcat]

I dealt with a similar problem on my 82 XJ1100. It ended up being a faulty ignition system relay. There's a relay in the kill switch circuit on my bike that won't let the bike start if it's in gear with the kickstand up.

So, try removing the relay and see if you have spark. Or maybe just check connections to the relay.

[randy]

I'm with John on this one. That is, if you're SURE the TCI box is good. They can be intermittent, escpecially in damp weather.

That tip-over kill switch can be a mother to troubleshoot. Just unplug it and toss it. You don't need it.

Then go through the ignition one more time from the plug all the way to the pickups:

New plugs, proper gaps?

Good wire caps or new?

All electrical connections clean and tight?

Ballast resistor in place? When restoring with a mix of parts for different years, be careful with this. Early years use a ballast resistor with 1.5 Ohm coils, later years use 3 Ohm coils without ballast resistor. Don't remember the cutoff dates, but do a search here for ballast.

Finally, how about that fuse box?

HTH

Randy

[dave1shere]

My thanks to all have got it running it was the tip over switch. I would have never thought to unplug it and take it out.

[John]

Glad to be of some help, Dave.

[Snow]

Originally posted by dave1shere
My thanks to all have got it running it was the tip over switch. I would have never thought to unplug it and take it out.

That one got me several summers ago...my brother and I had torn down my then newly acquired XS11 to frame to get it all cleaned up. After putting it back together, we could not figure out why we didn't get any spark...so, stumped and out of ideas, we went to Burger King with the electrical diagram.

So, to cut to the chase, whoppers with cheese fixed my spark problem...I managed to put it in upside-down...

[pathfinder]

60 degree tipover swith

I'd try and find a good one, I know you don't plan on dropping it while running or any other time but, you can't imagine how fast the oil pump can pump out the sump at 6500 rpm. It can take out the trans, cylinder walls, pistons, crank, cam or any combination there of. DON'T ASK ME HOW I KNOW THIS.

[pgg]

Pathfinder, how do you know this?

[John]

Originally posted by dave1shere
My thanks to all have got it running it was the tip over switch. I would have never thought to unplug it and take it out.

Dave I just happen to have a couple of tip over switches. I'll let you have one cheap.

Patrick, you just had to ask, didn't you?

[pathfinder]

I'm not telling

Thanks I have a switch. Not that it helps me now, with the bike torn down for a complete rebuild and paint. I was shamed into this mighty endeavor by someone who will remain nameless at TeXSive 04. Not related to I don't want to talk about it.