Ignition failure opinions - 99 KZ1000P

So I'm riding across a bridge on an interstate in the middle of 4th of July traffic with no breakdown lanes for a good mile. As I crossed up into about the 3000 rpm point, my KZP starts to cut in and out... jerky... as the tach swings wildly. I should add, this sucked.

It seemed to be a bit better behaved at lower engine speeds and I limped to a friends house nearby and left it there to tow home later. When I got back with the trailer and started the bike to ride it in, the problem was not occurring. Possible heat issue. I'd say it was the single nicest riding day I've seen in some time... mid-70's and very low humidity.

I guess I gots me an ignition problem. Based on the diagram in the manual, the thing that ties the engine to the tach is a black wire from the tach to the 1/4 coil and the IC Igniter. Before I start swapping ignition and pickup coils, and the IC Igniter, does anyone have a theory on what is most likely?

BTW... exactly where is the IC Igniter. I don't ever recall having seen it during any tear down.

Mike

With all the electronics in bikes these days, I don't know how to diagnose an intermittent that is probably thermally triggered (high temp makes it happen). You might want to warm the bike up well and try using a hot air gun aimed at the various possible offenders. If I had to pick a victim, the igniter is the most likely and the pickup sensors. I have had those fail on both my car and my wife's car.

What Kawasaki calls a IC Igniter actually give the ignition coils their grounds firing the coils. If you suspect it's going out, a Dyna S from z1 enterprises would be a good replacement along with their ignition coils.

Or if you're good at making electronic circuits or has a friend who can, one of the members here has devised a circuit using off the shelf GM ignition modules:http://www.geocities.com/loudgpz/GPZgmHEImod.html

bountyhunter wrote:

With all the electronics in bikes these days, I don't know how to diagnose an intermittent that is probably thermally triggered (high temp makes it happen). You might want to warm the bike up well and try using a hot air gun aimed at the various possible offenders. If I had to pick a victim, the igniter is the most likely and the pickup sensors.

I appreciate the suggestions. I'm going to see if I can find a problem with the coils first since they're the easiest:) I really hope this doesn't turn out to be an intermittent. I use to have to track that kind of failure down in computer prototypes as a consultant. Test procedures were not the top way to find those. Thanks again!

Mike

MFolks wrote:

What Kawasaki calls a IC Igniter actually give the ignition coils their grounds firing the coils. If you suspect it's going out, a Dyna S from z1 enterprises would be a good replacement along with their ignition coils.

Or if you're good at making electronic circuits or has a friend who can, one of the members here has devised a circuit using off the shelf GM ignition modules:http://www.geocities.com/loudgpz/GPZgmHEImod.html

I like that guy's approach. $400 cheaper. I'm lucky that I picked up an Igniter off EBay a few years ago for $20... hopefully that works, if that's what I need.

The Dyna looks like a lot of work and expense relative to just popping an OEM back in... what is the advantage of that if I could ask?

Mike

From what I read, the Dyna allows for timing programming and puts out a hotter spark than stock ignition.

If you want to "shotgun" the coils out for peace of mind, Z1 sells 4 Ohm OEM replacement coils for about $36 each. Install two and your coils should be good to go, not too expensive.

They will work with a Kawi or Dyna igniter circuit, although the coils typically used with those are a shade lower in impedance (usually three Ohm coils as I recall). A four Ohm coil can be used in a 3 Ohm application no problem.

BTW: old coils certainly do fail, and the symptoms you have are typical: coil gets hot and starts "arcing" through the insulation internally causing the engine to run rough. I know that one from personal experience....:laugh: