CDI Problems

[Wdavie]

Hi all, new member here in the UK, I have just bought an XS1100 chopper and I can’t get a spark at the plugs, checked the cdi,ignitor box, and think that may be the issue, definitely getting 12 volts into it, and 12 volts into the coils but no spark, the ignitor box that’s fitted is. hitachi TD14-01 having looked online for replacements it seems there’s 2 options and I may have the incorrect cdi fitted to bike, my bike is a 79 model with vacuum advance fitted, so I need the TD14-01 or the TD14-04 cdi? Many thanks in advance.
wayne

[OldGreyBeast]

Sounds like you have a 79 Special, which is exactly what I have. Mine has the TD14-01 ignition unit on it.

[DiverRay]

You should Ohm out the pickup coils from the connector on the TCI. That will let you know if you have a coil or wire problem. '78-'79 models have a BIG problem with the pickup coil wires breaking at the crimp point on the ignition plate, left side of engine.
The TCI may also have the power transistors blown out if someone has a 1.5 Ohm coil connected to it WITHOUT a ballast resistor. You need at least 3 Ohms on the coil for the spark plugs to run with no ballast resistor.

[Wdavie]

Thanks guys. I have 3 OHMS at the coil, they are aftermarket coils so not original. I’m definitely leaning toward the igniter box being faulty.

[DiverRay]

Did you check the pickup coils? They should be 120 Ohms resistance, plus minus 10%. White with Green and Red is one pair, Yellow with Green and Red is the other pair of wires. Test at the connector for the TCI and tell us what you see for resistance.

[cajun31]

Hi all, new member here in the UK, I have just bought an XS1100 chopper and I can’t get a spark at the plugs, checked the cdi,ignitor box, and think that may be the issue, definitely getting 12 volts into it, and 12 volts into the coils but no spark, the ignitor box that’s fitted is. hitachi TD14-01 having looked online for replacements it seems there’s 2 options and I may have the incorrect cdi fitted to bike, my bike is a 79 model with vacuum advance fitted, so I need the TD14-01 or the TD14-04 cdi? Many thanks in advance.
wayne

All the 78 thru 80 had the same TCI or as you referenced CDI. It changed in 81. The part number you are looking for is 2H7-82305-10-00. TD14-01 is the right number on the TCI.