Crazy ignition problem

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  • GearheadTed
    #1

    Crazy ignition problem

    Hello all. I'm a bit new here so first I'd like to say that its so great to see such a fine community of helpfull GSer's. Truly an invaluable resorse for us all. I'm not usually one to post my problems, but this one is to crazy not to.
    I'm trying to get my 1st bike going for my girlfriend to ride this spring. Its a OEM 81' GS 450E. A few months back I had it going great then suddenly nothing....and i mean nada. It was goin like crazy then like a switch it died, and it hasnt even sputtered since.
    So, Back at the lab I pull the plugs to check for spark. I pull em both and ground em on the engine. As I'm cranking on the starter I can see neither side is getting spark....but as soon as I let the starter go the left side only starts sparking away...!!?? It does it no matter what position the "trigger wheel" thing is in. So I'm guessing its not in that area. Also at least one coil sparks and i doubt they'd both go at the same time, so Im guessing it's either the Igniter box or maybe the voltage regulator?? Ive never seen a spark plug make a near constant spark like that. Any input anybody? Any help would be greatly apreciated. Thanks alot.
    -Ted
    Tags: None
    • bradleymaynar
      #2
      Battery? Even if it's only a couple years old, it can still be bad. Try hooking it up to a charger (lowest cycle for a 12volt battery, 2 Amp rate, I think), and let it charge for a few hours and try again.

      I think the reason you're seeing a spark as you let go of the starter button is because the engine spins for a moment as you let the button go allowing more power to get to the coils.

      Try bump starting it, ie., push it in 2nd gear with the clutch engaged. When you get a bit of speed, release the clutch and see if it doesn't attempt to fire over.

      The charging systems are fickle on these bikes, if you haven't been out riding it every few days, the battery can lose its charge. Especially if the temps get cold.

      Brad bt

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        • SqDancerLynn1
          #3
          I would start by disconnecting the regulator!! Charge the battery, new plugs? then work on getting the ign/bike running. WIll it try and start if you spray wd40/starting spray into the carbs ?? After is is running THEN you can hook the regulator back up & check the charging circuit. THE ign module can be fried if the voltage reg is bad. It does not like getting hit with 18-20 volts

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            • GearheadTed
              #4
              Hey there, thanks for the replies, but I think this one goes deeper than that.
              Yes the battery an plugs is fairly new and fully charged. So basicly whats happening is when I hit the "run" switch the plug fires. This happens on one side(left). But, When I crank the engine the plugs don't fire until I let go of the starter button, then the plug fires with a constant arc!! I never knew this was possible!
              Im not suspecting the coils as they technicly are sparking. From what ive gathered from the fourm the ignition systems on theese bikes tend to go bad so my guess is thats where to look.

              Maybe the voltage regulator? I did unplug it from the system and nothing changes. But B4 it crapped out I did notice an arc jump from the VR to the starting solonoid. Wierd huh?

              In anycase Im thinking id like to update the ignition anyways but I cant seem to find the Dyna S kit for my bike. Thier website dosent list 450, only 550. Has anyone updated a GS 450E or similar? This bike has the electronic cdi ignition, and mecanical advance. Even if anyone has a used part it would be better than an OEM replacement igniter. It'd cost more than the whole bike!! Ya know?
              anyways, thanks for any help!!
              -Ted

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                • jknappsax
                  Forum Sage
                  Past Site Supporter
                  • Jul 2003
                  • 1108
                  • Philadelphia, PA
                  #5
                  Get in touch with Dyna

                  I believe the company's actual name is Dyna Electronics, so Google them, and they should be able to tell you which of their products will work. The fact that you have a mechanical advance is a plus, as you need one to replace the igniter box with a Dyna S or Dyna III.
                  1979 GS 1000

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                    • sissonk
                      #6
                      I have had similar probs on My GS and found them to be corrosion on the run switch and other switches which may be in your start circuit and also bad ground connections . Suzuki use to many gound connections to their frames I wired all mine together and them used just one to the frame. Just a word on the battery can you check the voltage as it is cranking because if it the voltage falls below say 11volts , that could be your problem . even new batteries sometimes loose there charge quikely

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