missinng, lurching, and popping, oh my!

650ed wrote: KraZyRIDER - THANKS!

Condensors is correct!! I wrote capacitors while I had something else on my mind. My fault entirely. I need to go back and proof read my postings, especially when I'm distracted.

One note, the Kawasaki Service Manual does use the term capacitor when referring to the condensors, so technically Grumpy Ole Artist isn't incorrect, but I normally call them condensors as that is the term most folks, including me, use when referring to points and condensors.

Thanks again! Ed

...Capacitor is also correct, Ed. Condenser is just a more common term, especially here in the US. I think the Japanese just like using the term, capacitor.

...A la the old '69 Mach III.

Man, it's "one step at a time" with me, ain't it? Definitely getting no heat on 2 & 3 exhaust pipes. (These "point & shoot" digital thermometers are pretty cool!) Anyhoo, unless I am missing something, the plug wires on coil for 2&3 are shorter than the wires for 1 & 4 coil...how do I "swap" them if I can't connect all 4 wires? ?could I swap the green & black wires on caps?? Thanx! ride safe

They may reach if you temporarily swap which side of the frame the coils are on. Mine did when I was troubleshooting a problem. Ed

I Thought i understood what you meant, but , looking at it, am pretty sure that they will be too short, but if ya don't go, you'll never know...and ed says "go". Hokayj, i give try. Wish luck. Ugh! Lol, what about swapping the green and black condenser wires at connectors under airbox? Probably blow something up, I'll bet...just wondering...hmmmm...thanx!

Well, at least I tried! #2 & #3 plug wires are about 2.5 " too short to physically swap coils side to side to troubleshoot...to further confound my efforts, my old timing assembly has gone to parts unknown! So before I spend sheckles I really don't have on a pair of green coils, plug wires & caps, and some new condensers, any additional thoughts from the peanut gallery as to how best to proceed with troubleshooting? Mebbe just try new condensers first? As always, thanx! Ride safe!

Grumpy Ole Artist wrote: Well, at least I tried! #2 & #3 plug wires are about 2.5 " too short to physically swap coils side to side to troubleshoot...to further confound my efforts, my old timing assembly has gone to parts unknown! So before I spend sheckles I really don't have on a pair of green coils, plug wires & caps, and some new condensers, any additional thoughts from the peanut gallery as to how best to proceed with troubleshooting? Mebbe just try new condensers first? As always, thanx! Ride safe!

...If you really don't have the equipment to check things properly, new points and condensers would definitely be the cheapest way to go. Save the old parts, just in case the new show no improvement.

...Of course, if you've got the money, replacing the old coils and wires could only have a positive affect. Once you square away the problem.

...Did you ever check the charging output at high revs? I should have read more carefully what everyone said. But, if you are not putting out enough voltage at speed, that could also be a problem. Wish I was in front of this bike, it would be a lot easier!

...Did anyone mention to spray down the wires and coils with a spray bottle of water when the bike is running? That's the fastest way to check for bad wires and leaky coils. Just make sure you don't spray things down with any flammable liquids. That's the fastest way to burn things to the ground. :blink:

Hey KraZyRIDER...I have basic hand tools, and a cheap azz multimeter, but obviously, troubleshooting is not my strong suit! Definitely better at riding than wrenching, but I am learning ! LOL! My buddy Mike texted me late last night, (he is a 2nd shifter) he went out & rooted in his garage after work, and found my original timing plate assbly, so I will attempt to swap out condensers tonight...I will certainly try the water spritz trick, and see if anything exciting happens. Re:High rpm charging output, the problem is present from idle on up....(not sure if that matters, but...) And yeah, I wish you were standing in front of it too! LOL! Thanx, all! ride safe!

Well I have thrown every part I can think of at her...new dyna 5 ohm coils, condensers, plugs, wires & plug caps...have gone from lurching along on two cylinders to no fire nowhere....first condenser swap, I made the mistake of completely removing small nuts at base of point springs holding green/black wires. Will NOT do THAT again! Finally got all the little pieces back in place( I hope) bought a better multimeter...should I have continuity across the green & black connections? Black lead to black wire...red lead to plate or green lead have continuity...again, no spark ANYWHERE now...WTF have I done?

Can you post some close-up pictures of the connections you made at the points? Ed

Certainly! edit: I will add that I found & re-installed correctly ( I believe) the 3 insulators on each side...two flat insulating "washers" with a single insulating "barrel" between (inside the metal tabs of the timing plate) through which the teeeeny bolts pass.

Ah good. I think I see a problem. Give me a minute to find a picture for you.

OK. It looks like you have the flat spring of the points grounded. The spring should be outboard of the insulator rather than against the metal tab; this is true for both sets of points. Take a look at the image below; I think it will show it better than I can describe. Ed

Good news/ bad news, eh? Good news: that explains the reading I was getting to the timing plate with my snazzy new meter, and will definitely help! Bad news: I have to wage war with re-stacking those ridiculously small nuts,bolts, connectors, springs, and insulators again....AAARGGH! LOL!!! THANK YOU, Ed!
I might get down to see my Mom this weekend, after all! Fingers crossed! ( And by the time I get done with this latest round of "microsurgery", my eyes will be too!) Hee Hee! Beeg hard copy printed out....Thanx again, soo much!