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1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils

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18 Apr 2021 18:02 #847005 by MJH1983
1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils was created by MJH1983
Hi guys, I hope someone can help with my confusion. I have a 1978 KZ1000 and I need to replace my ignition coils. I am confused because the existing coils are as follows:
as sitting on the bike
Left coil has plug wires going to Cyinders 1,2
Right coil has plug wires going to Cylinders 3,4

I am confused because the manual has the plug wires crossing over the engine. When i buy and replace the coils, should I replace as installed, or follow the manual? Mind the bike was running just fine until I slowly started losing spark towards the end of last summer. As of now cylinders 3,4 have very weak spark and 1,2 no spark at all.  

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18 Apr 2021 19:55 - 18 Apr 2021 19:58 #847009 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
With the coils hooked up to the spark plugs as you describe, the engine could only run on two cylinders. I would try hooking them up correctly and see what happens.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 18 Apr 2021 19:58 by TexasKZ.
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18 Apr 2021 20:07 #847010 by MJH1983
Replied by MJH1983 on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
I would normally agree with you based on what the manual says, but Its been that way as long as Ive owned the bike. It ran all last summer with no issues until early fall when it slowly started losing spark . I will take a picture tomorrow afternoon to cross reference. It just doesnt make sense to me. 

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  • hardrockminer
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19 Apr 2021 05:04 #847017 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
I'm surprised your engine runs!

The correct hook-up is for the left coil to power 1 & 4 and the right one to power 2 & 3.  For every half turn of the crank, each coil fires for both cylinders at the same time, but one cylinder is on the intake stroke and the other is on the exhaust stroke, so there is no detonation on that one.  

You may not need new coils.  Just hook them up correctly and see how it goes.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.
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19 Apr 2021 06:46 #847022 by Rick H.
Replied by Rick H. on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
If you have the fuel tank off, which I would assume you do, take a picture looking down at the top of the engine so we can see the coils and how the spark plugs wires run from each one and to the plugs.  As has been stated it would be almost impossible for the engine to run correctly with the wires connected as you describe.  Interesting to say the least.

Rick H.

Rick H.

1977 Kawasaki KZ-1000A1
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  • Mikaw
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19 Apr 2021 07:20 #847025 by Mikaw
Replied by Mikaw on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
Also need pictures of the wires and colors coming from the points/pickups to make sure the secondary wires are connected to the correct coil. 

1976 KZ 900 A4 kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613548-1976-kz-900-a4
1976 KZ 900 B1 LTD
1978 KZ 1000 B2 LTD
1980 KZ 750 E1
Kowledge Speaks, But Wisdom Listens.
Jimi Hendrix.
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19 Apr 2021 14:33 #847049 by MJH1983
Replied by MJH1983 on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
Well it was my mistake to speak before I took a better look. The plug wires are ran as should be. I busted out the multimeter and did the old spark plug to ground test. I only have spark on 1 out of 4 cylinders. Ordered new coils and will test again when they come in. I verified switch voltage to the coils and ran continuity from the points to the coils. Anything else I should look for? And thanks for all your responses

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  • hardrockminer
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19 Apr 2021 17:35 #847064 by hardrockminer
Replied by hardrockminer on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
What resistance did you measure on your coils?  They may still be fine.  You may have plug wire problems.

I have several restored bikes along with a 2006 Goldwing with a sidecar. My wife has a 2019 Suzuki DR 650 for on and off road.

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19 Apr 2021 17:45 #847065 by MJH1983
Replied by MJH1983 on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
As my father bought the bike brand new in 78 and knowing what work has been done to it, the coils and wires are original to the bike. I've owned it for a little over a year now. I've already ordered new coils, that come with new plug wires. I forgot to read through the coils themselves with my meter though. 

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19 Apr 2021 18:55 #847066 by F64
Replied by F64 on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
I'd swap the coils to see if the problem stays with the coils or stays with cylinders.
You could also have a bad condensor or bad wire.

81-KZ440-D2.
Louis Dudzik's GM HEI ignitor conversion installed 2015 s3.amazonaws.com/gpzweb/Ignition/GPZgmHEImod.html
Motogadget m-unit blue installed 2017.
LIC, NY

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19 Apr 2021 21:14 #847069 by TexasKZ
Replied by TexasKZ on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
I would also take a very good look at the points. If the rubbing blocks have worn down too far, the points may not be opening enough to reliably break the circuit, thereby preventing the coils from firing as they should.

1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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20 Apr 2021 15:31 #847108 by Kaylinator
Replied by Kaylinator on topic 1978 KZ1000-A2 Ignition Coils
I agree with everything here. Just wanted to suggest you pop by the New Members forum and introduce yourself and your bike. We love pics!

1978 KZ1000-A2
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/613296-1978-kz1000-a2-barn-find

1978 KZ400-B1

2022 Z900RS SE

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