Can a CDI unit charge only one coil?

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  • Redekopb

    #1

    Can a CDI unit charge only one coil?

    I have a 1982 gs650 (Suzuki). Only get spark on 1 & 4. All other issues have been eliminated so it appears to be the CDI unit. Is it possible for the cdi to give charge to only one coil?
  • Steve
    GS Whisperer
    • Jun 2005
    • 35924
    • southwest oHIo

    #2
    Yes, it might be possible, but only if your bike had a CDI.

    Your bike, does NOT have a "CDI".
    It is an INDUCTOR DISCHARGE IGNITION, otherwise known as a standard coil-based ignition.

    The box that you are thinking is a "CDI" is just a box of transistors that replace the mechanical points, and is called an "ignitor".

    Now, to answer your question properly: yes, it is possible that the ignitor will only trigger one coil to fire, but it does not "charge" the coil. Technically-speaking, it DIScharges the coil when the transistors open the current path.

    Before you condemn the ignitor, though, make sure all the other electrical connections are good.

    .
    sigpic
    mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
    hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
    #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
    #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
    Family Portrait
    Siblings and Spouses
    Mom's first ride
    Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
    (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

    Comment

    • Nessism
      Forum LongTimer
      GSResource Superstar
      Past Site Supporter
      Super Site Supporter
      • Mar 2006
      • 35787
      • Torrance, CA

      #3
      Yup, no CDI on GS bikes.

      Steve is showing you some tough love since it's obvious that you haven't investigated very deeply.

      There are countless threads in the archives on this topic so don't be afraid to dig around. Basics include: get the factory service manual (free download available) and perform the ignitor checks. Check voltage at your coils. Switch the coils side to side and see if the problem follows the coil, or if the ignitor is at fault.

      Good luck.
      Ed

      To measure is to know.

      Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

      Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

      Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

      KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

      Comment

      • Redekopb

        #4
        Thanks. In my investigation it seemed like it was being called various different things. The manual does call it the ignitor unit. I did swap leads of the coils resulting in spark on 2 & 3. Signal generator is good. Continuity is good from coils through to ignitor unit. Ignition switch is good by virtue of spark on two cyl. New plugs. Just needed some confirmation regarding ignitor. Hate to spend so much on something if I don't have to.

        Comment

        • koolaid_kid

          #5
          If you need an igniter, do not replace it with an OEM unit. Purchase a Dyna S and replace both the igniter and the signal generator.

          Comment

          • 82gs650

            #6
            Have u ever resolved this issue? I am currently having the same one

            Comment

            • Mattius

              #7
              Originally posted by 82gs650
              Have u ever resolved this issue? I am currently having the same one
              Me too! Any help would be appreciated. Where can I download the service manual? I can't find it online. Thanks

              Comment

              • Steve
                GS Whisperer
                • Jun 2005
                • 35924
                • southwest oHIo

                #8
                Originally posted by Mattius
                Me too! Any help would be appreciated. Where can I download the service manual? I can't find it online. Thanks
                Allow me to show you the library.



                .
                sigpic
                mine: 2000 Honda GoldWing GL1500SE and 1980 GS850G'K' "Junior"
                hers: 1982 GS850GL - "Angel" and 1969 Suzuki T250 Scrambler
                #1 son: 1986 Yamaha Venture Royale 1300 and 1982 GS650GL "Rat Bagger"
                #2 son: 1980 GS1000G
                Family Portrait
                Siblings and Spouses
                Mom's first ride
                Want a copy of my valve adjust spreadsheet for your 2-valve per cylinder engine? Send me an e-mail request (not a PM)
                (Click on my username in the upper-left corner for e-mail info.)

                Comment

                • Mattius

                  #9
                  Originally posted by Steve
                  Thanks! What about a repair manual?

                  Comment

                  • tom203
                    Forum Guru
                    Past Site Supporter
                    • Aug 2010
                    • 8925
                    • Norway,Maine

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Mattius
                    Thanks! What about a repair manual?
                    Dive in and wade around there- more info than any manual that I've seen!
                    1981 gs650L

                    "We are all born ignorant, but you have to work hard to stay stupid" Ben Franklin

                    Comment

                    • Nessism
                      Forum LongTimer
                      GSResource Superstar
                      Past Site Supporter
                      Super Site Supporter
                      • Mar 2006
                      • 35787
                      • Torrance, CA

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Mattius
                      Thanks! What about a repair manual?
                      Wow! You didn't even bother to check out the link.
                      Ed

                      To measure is to know.

                      Mikuni O-ring Kits For Sale...https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...ts#post1703182

                      Top Newbie Mistakes thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=171846

                      Carb rebuild tutorial...https://gsarchive.bwringer.com/mtsac...d_Tutorial.pdf

                      KZ750E Rebuild Thread...http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...0-Resurrection

                      Comment

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