Ignition Coils
- oredigger
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Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 17:08
Alright so while my dad was checking out my bike, he went to take the boot off my spark plug and since it is probably 30 years old and he isn't the most gentle man, he tore up the wiring on it. Now as far as I can tell I am not able to replace just the wire and boot coming from the coil and I need to replace the entire ignition coil. Where can I find one of these coils? Easy to find used? Should I replace both coils or just the one that is obviously broken? I am guessing the wiring in the other is getting weak and my spark on all four have been affected by this..
1980 KZ650-E1 LTD
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- bountyhunter
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 17:55 - 17 Nov 2013 17:59
One coil fires plugs 2-3 and the other fires 1-4. Messing up one should not affect the other.
I have seen kits to put new wires onto old coils, but the wire kits are pricey (like $40 or more).
I am a believer if the coils are original, they should be replaced..... mainly because the grief my old coils gave me.
Not sure what resistance your coils are, but Z1 sells a very good 4 Ohm coil with wires for about $36. I have been running one on my KZ750 for six years, works great.
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...zuki&item=EM24-72451
I have seen kits to put new wires onto old coils, but the wire kits are pricey (like $40 or more).
I am a believer if the coils are original, they should be replaced..... mainly because the grief my old coils gave me.
Not sure what resistance your coils are, but Z1 sells a very good 4 Ohm coil with wires for about $36. I have been running one on my KZ750 for six years, works great.
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...zuki&item=EM24-72451
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 17 Nov 2013 17:59 by bountyhunter.
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- oredigger
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 18:38
Thanks for the reply.
Are these coils usually universal? The only difference I can see is the resistance in them, is this the only aspect I need to worry about when searching?
Are these coils usually universal? The only difference I can see is the resistance in them, is this the only aspect I need to worry about when searching?
1980 KZ650-E1 LTD
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- oredigger
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 19:12
No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationFound these on ebay...any thoughts?
1980 KZ650-E1 LTD
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- Patton
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 19:37
What ignition is fitted -- points, igniter, dyna-S?
Good Fortune!
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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- oredigger
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 22:34
Patton - I couldn't tell ya...as far as I know they are the stock coils. Are those all brand names that you listed?
1980 KZ650-E1 LTD
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- bountyhunter
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 22:50Depending on year and model, some Kaws had point ignitions. Those generally used a four Ohm coil like the one I posted above.oredigger wrote: Patton - I couldn't tell ya...as far as I know they are the stock coils. Are those all brand names that you listed?
If it had a Kaw electronic ignition with magnetic sensors instead of points, it used lower resistance coils (maybe 3 Ohms?)
If it's an aftermarket Dyna ignition, it probably uses coils in the 3 Ohm ballpark, maybe a shade lower.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
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- bountyhunter
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 22:52 - 17 Nov 2013 22:53Not universal. If you use a higher resistance coil than stock, won't hurt the coil but may have a little less spark energy.oredigger wrote: Thanks for the reply.
Are these coils usually universal? The only difference I can see is the resistance in them, is this the only aspect I need to worry about when searching?
If you use a lower resistance coil than stock, especially with points, the coil can be killed by excessive heat. It will also draw more current than the system was designed for.
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 17 Nov 2013 22:53 by bountyhunter.
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- oredigger
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Re: Ignition Coils
17 Nov 2013 23:43
Thanks thats some good info. Been putting in some work on google and this thread
kzrider.com/forum/4-electrical/562477-no...nd-or-coil-questions
....hopefully I can figure this out. Thanks fellas!
1980 KZ650-E1 LTD
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- koolaid_kid
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Re: Ignition Coils
18 Nov 2013 03:53
Pull the ignition cover (right side of engine). If you don't have points there you have an electronic ignition. An electronic ignition and the Dyna S ignition use 3 Ohm coils. 4 Ohm coils will work, but as bountyhunter pointed out, the spark will not be quite as hot.
1983 GPz 750
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.
810 Wiseco, Kerker, K&N, DynoJet S3, Accel, Progressive, etc.
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- Patton
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Re: Ignition Coils
18 Nov 2013 04:23 - 18 Nov 2013 04:30
The parts diagram at kawasaki.com shows 1980 KZ650-E1 LTD having a points ignition.
Many owners have replaced the stock points ignition with an electronic ignition such as the popular Dyna-S electronic ignition.
The above illustration is a KZ900.
KZ650 Dyna-S has another blue wire for the oil pressure switch.
Good Fortune!
Many owners have replaced the stock points ignition with an electronic ignition such as the popular Dyna-S electronic ignition.
The above illustration is a KZ900.
KZ650 Dyna-S has another blue wire for the oil pressure switch.
Good Fortune!

1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
KZ900 LTD
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Last edit: 18 Nov 2013 04:30 by Patton.
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- bountyhunter
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Re: Ignition Coils
18 Nov 2013 13:08 - 18 Nov 2013 13:09
IMHO, the points ignition is adequate if properly working, and is designed to work with standard (cheap) four Ohm coils. The Dyna has some advantages: programmable timing advance, no points to wear or go out of adjustment, supposedly gives hotter spark than stock. Disadvantage is they are pricey, require expensive coils and the Dynas seem to fail without much provocation. The Kawasaki factory electronic ignitions used on some models seem to be pretty durable. YMMV
1979 KZ-750 Twin
Last edit: 18 Nov 2013 13:09 by bountyhunter.
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