79 GS550E Ignition Coils

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  • Coinneach
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    79 GS550E Ignition Coils

    A few months back I purchased a 1979 GS550E of craigslist for $250 ... After getting a no spark condition I checked the points and they were fine. So I checked the coils only to find the primary on 1 - 4 was 5.2 and 2 - 3 was 19.9 and both had no reading with the secondary. So I now know that I need new ignition coils, so my questions is: What should I get to replace these coils? Is there a better alternative to another 1979 GS550 set of coils?

    Thanks for your most appreciated replys
    Ken
  • Guest

    #2
    Almost any GS set of coils will work just fine for you bike. You can upgrade to Dyna Coils if you want but you don't really need to, especially if you're sticking with points. It's rare that I ever hear of stock coils failing, especially 2. You can even dig out the stock wires and put in some new ones. Stock coils are usually dirt cheap, put a wanted ad up and I'm sure you'll have a set in no time.

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    • Coinneach

      #3
      Thanks azr ... now I know what my options are .. much appreciated

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      • Guest

        #4
        Do not use 3ohm coils from electronic ignitions since they will burn up your points unless you add a resistor.

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        • Coinneach

          #5
          What do you suggest then chef1366 .. Any recommendations? Thank you for chiming in or I would?ve bought them

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          • Guest

            #6
            Get a Dyna S and Green Dyna coils or find some coils for points.
            You are not throwing a spark on your coils? What makes you think it's not the points?

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            • Coinneach

              #7
              Originally posted by chef1366
              Get a Dyna S and Green Dyna coils or find some coils for points.
              You are not throwing a spark on your coils? What makes you think it's not the points?
              I pulled the coils off the bike and tested them with a multimeter

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

                #8
                Could be the condensers.
                to check secondary circuit on ignition coils, best to remove plug caps from plug wires and stick probes into wires. (Corrosion on plug caps can fool you)- look for about 12000 ohms-ensure your meter is on right range to read this high.
                suzuki coils seem very durable.
                1981 gs650L

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

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                • Coinneach

                  #9
                  Originally posted by tom203
                  Could be the condensers.
                  to check secondary circuit on ignition coils, best to remove plug caps from plug wires and stick probes into wires. (Corrosion on plug caps can fool you)- look for about 12000 ohms-ensure your meter is on right range to read this high.
                  suzuki coils seem very durable.
                  Okay I did what you suggested, took the plug caps off and then tested and showed 15,000 for 2-3 but 1-4 nothing. I inspected the plug caps and found the inside cooked! the spring rusted, resister blackened and both the brass blackened for 1-4. So it looks like I need a new 1-4. Just saved me some money and I learned something new. Thanks Tom203
                  And btw the resister don't read any resistance like the others do that I tested

                  IMAG0536.jpg
                  Last edited by Guest; 11-16-2014, 04:18 PM.

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                  • Coinneach

                    #10
                    Originally posted by chef1366
                    Get a Dyna S and Green Dyna coils
                    Thanks .. I'll be looking into this option

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