Igniter Unit Test Question

[GSJim69]

I have had problems with my '85 GS550L bogging down at 5000 rpm. One of the tests that I decided to do was the igniter unit test.
I performed the test as described in the Clymer manual. I got no spark. I double checked and trippled checked thinking maybe I did not get a good ground on the plug or the battery in my multimeter was week. I used a set of jumper cables to make sure the plug was grounded and a fresh battery. Still no spark. The bike runs fine until around 5000 rpm.

Is this a sign of a bad igniter unit or is something else going on?
I thought that I would see some spark since the bike runs.

[Guest]

For what it's worth, I had a problem one time and tried to do that test over and over. It never sparked but that was many miles ago, and it was not the problem. I never have figured out why the test didn't work.

[GSJim69]

Anyone else come across this?

[Jackw]

I too tried the igniter test last night and am unable to get a spark while doing what the Clymer manual says. Is there any other test that can verify if the igniter is good? My signal generator and coils ohm out to the proper valvues......

[Matchless]

I think the Clymer manual gives the battery connections the wrong way around - but correct me if I am wrong! It only sparks in the one direction I have found.

To simulate the small voltage generated by the pickup coil, prepare an ordinary 1.5V dry cell with two wires red for positive and black for negative. Connect the negative black wire from the dry cell to the blue wire on the connector plug going into the igniter. Switch on the ignition and kill switch to power the igniter and briefly touch the red wire from the dry cell positive to the green wire connector going into the igniter. You should see a spark on plugs #1 and #4 when you touch the wire and on #2 and #3 when you remove the wire. If this works your igniter is in a working condition.

Hope this helps you

[Guest]

I have seen failing igniters have that same symptom.

[duaneage]

If you are "bogging down" at 5 grand it is probably a problem with the carbs. Air leaks around the boots, airbox leaks, and stuck slides in the carbs can cause problems. I doubt it is an ignition problem.

[SAN]

ingniter test

Hello i too had same symptoms on my 81 550T .I know not same bike but after checking the carbs,intake,coils. all fine.Not saying its the problem but my igniter was bad.dayna S for me.Also heard a gent on hear,Same prob, traced to faulty ign button.I hate elec gremlins. good luck. SAN

[GSJim69]

Back in August I was trying to find out what the problem was.
The problem was the carbs. I have resolved the problem and the bike is running fine.
I was never able to get the igniter to pass the test. The bike has been running fine for many miles since. So, regardless of the test the igniter is performing very well.

P.S. This was an old thread.