Possible Substitute Igniter?

[User]

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=da&u=http://www.tonews.com/thread/912965/dk/marked/privat/motorcykel/stumpemarked/ktndingsmodulcditilgsx550.html&ei=B6AFTcb1LsGqlAfqs5G0CQ&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=5&sqi=2&ved=0CEcQ7gEwBA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dkokusan%2Bdenki%2Bcdi%2Bsuzuki%2Bbb1%2B208%26hl%3Den%26prmd%3Div

I found this while trying to find an igniter for the GS. From what I can gather from the post on this site, this guy seems to have learned that a GSX600F igniter will replace the one needed for the part number listed as a GS550es. Anyone confirm this? I am desperate for a replacement for the bike, but cannot justify spending hundreds of dollars on a new one.

[Steve]

It might work.

You do have to be careful if you get an ignitor from before '82.

The '82 and newer had the advance built into the ignitor, earlier ones had a mechanism on the end of the crank.

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[User]

Both the stock box, and the "possible" replacement look similar. Both having two places for plugs with 4 prongs per each plug. Only difference being that one set of prongs are closer together than the ones that are on the stock box. Bottom line is they both have the same amount of connections. I have found one from a 88-96 model, so it's only a few years removed from stock. I just don't know how the timing advance works in these things, and if I can just make the wiring work. I don't want to butcher my harness if this doesn't have a chance to work. However, until I get some sparks, the whole bike is worthless.

[Steve]

Both the stock box, and the "possible" replacement look similar. Both having two places for plugs with 4 prongs per each plug. Only difference being that one set of prongs are closer together than the ones that are on the stock box. Bottom line is they both have the same amount of connections. ...

Strangely enough, that also describes the wrong box.

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[User]

Strangely enough, that also describes the wrong box.

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how so....how do you know what is wrong, as I haven't found what is right?

[User]

What happens if you install the wrong igniter box?

[Steve]

Well, as mentioned, the early ones do not have the ignition advance built in, so ignition timing will be off.

I have not done any research, but I would also suspect that an ignitor for a different size engine would have different timing advance curves and/or limits. It would require a few hours with the different service manuals to see if the curves are compatible before I would venture a reasonable guess.

What I meant by "wrong box" is that the description you gave for your ignitor and its electrical connectors also describes the ignitor and connectors for the unit that does not have the timing advance built in, which makes it the "wrong box". In other words, you can't just go by the looks, you have to know what's inside.

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[blowerbike]

i'll let you in on a secret...
an 1150 box will plug right in on your bike..
guess what?
it doesn't work.
been there...done that.
just because a box has the same connectors doesn't mean it will work.
as far as i know you need an 83-86 550 L/E/ES box and nothing else.

[blowerbike]

i'll let you in on a secret...
an 1150 box will plug right in on your bike..
guess what?
it doesn't work.
been there...done that.
just because a box has the same connectors doesn't mean it will work.
as far as i know you need an 83-86 550 L/E/ES box and nothing else.

the 1150/750/700 boxes look identical to your box...no spark if you install one of these.
there are A LOT of 83-86 550's floating around with no spark..A LOT.
ive had several here at different times all with bad igniter's.
and dyna does not offer one for these "small" signal generator bikes.

[tom203]

i'll let you in on a secret...
an 1150 box will plug right in on your bike..
guess what?
it doesn't work.
been there...done that.
just because a box has the same connectors doesn't mean it will work.
as far as i know you need an 83-86 550 L/E/ES box and nothing else.

I believe you, but what's so different about this ignition system? Is it a CDI type?

[User]

the 1150/750/700 boxes look identical to your box...no spark if you install one of these.
there are A LOT of 83-86 550's floating around with no spark..A LOT.
ive had several here at different times all with bad igniter's.
and dyna does not offer one for these "small" signal generator bikes.

So if I installed a "big" signal generator, which one would I need to look for ?

[ratznfragn]

Has anyone tried to open one of these igniters up?If so,I wonder if they're potted in epoxy or not.If not,they maybe repairable.I've managed to bring a few igniters off of various bikes back to life.

[User]

I opened this one, and it's very easy to access all of the parts. The entire board will come out. I just don't know crap about silicone chips, and electronics. I just know that it won't test worth a crap, and I need one that works. How were you able to repair previous igniters? Any signs to look for?

[Matchless]

I opened this one, and it's very easy to access all of the parts. The entire board will come out. I just don't know crap about silicone chips, and electronics. I just know that it won't test worth a crap, and I need one that works. How were you able to repair previous igniters? Any signs to look for?

PM me, I might be able to help with some repair info.

[ratznfragn]

A good bit of the time it's capacitors that fail in them.
Since you aren't familiar with electronics,I would suggest you check for broken solder joints,I have run into that as well.What you would do is to visually inspect for hairline circular cracks where the component leads are soldered to the board.Also you can place your finger tip on the solder joint while attempting to wiggle the component from the other side.If you feel movement in the lead where it comes though the solder,it has broken loose.
Heat and vibration causes this.