plug wire diagnosis

#1 cylinder isn't firing as far as I can tell (pipe isn't getting hot).

I checked the plug in a different cylinder - no change

I switched coil leads (from the same coil as #1) - no change



What's next? Should I be looking for a certain OHM reading from the #1 wire?

Also, whats the little resistor type thing inside the plug boot?

Put a known good plug on the wire and hold it down against the head, if it fires then Id say the pilot jet is clogged if that plug wont fire in the motor

Are the plug caps known to go bad? I checked continuity on the wire and it was good. Checked it on the cap and there wasnt any...

What do you mean by a plug cap? Resistor in the cap? There shouldn't be one. My definition of a plug cap is the part that contacts the spark plug (clips on) and is covered by a rubber shroud to keep weather off. Take the #1 spark plug lead WITH cap and put it on the #4 spark plug. Take the #4 spark plug lead with cap and put it on the #1 spark plug. Does the #1 cylinder continue to non-fire? If so, remove the #1 spark plug and REPLACE WITH NEW SPARK PLUG and repeat test. To test the cylinders for firing, the BEST way to do it is to use pump-spray bottle with water and spray the exhaust header once the bike is warmed a bit. A firing cylinder will VAPORIZE the water and a non-firing will spit and sizzle but the water will bounce or drop off.

I recently ohmed all my original plug caps, about half showed open the rest showed around 5 ohms. I dont think they should open open should they ?. It also helps to trim back 1/4 inch of the wire to get fresh copper to screw them into

I think the normal reading for a resistor cap is 5k ohm. If it reads open then you aren't going to get any spark no matter what plug you put in it. I removed the resistor caps and just use a wire with a plain rubber boot on the end to cover the plug.

I hear you stargate , my good ones were 5 ohms but the bike ran on open caps and open plug wires which I still dont understand. Not real well, but it did run. Just did my second Wg coil mod, that is the nuts !

I replaced the plug cap and after a few other obstacles it seems to be running well. I just need to get the exhaust gaskets and then I'm set (until next time).