83 440 LTD Spark issue now... IGNITER problem?

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83 440 LTD Spark issue now... IGNITER problem?

13 May 2014 07:40
#632249
Out of the blue,the bike started crapping out.Pulled the plugs,only one side was getting spark. Swapped the plugs over,same results on that side.Tried a few different coils(all matching the original coil to this bike).Same thing.Tried different plugs and wires,could not get spark to both plugs.
I'm going to get new plugs and wires wires before I do anything else,but I'm just wondering about the ,"Igniter" (see pic).

Does anyone know if there's a way to test this component?

Factory part number: 21119-1125.
Anything else should be looking at? I've checked the timing advance mechanism,and will check the wires coming from it,to make sure there are no breaks in them.
Thanks.
1977 KZ1000 A-1

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Re: 83 440 LTD Spark issue now... IGNITER problem?

13 May 2014 08:01
#632250
If one side is getting good spark but the other side is not I doubt that the problem is the igniter. Here's why - the bike uses the "wasted spark" approach to ignition, so both spark plugs fire at the same time even though one cylinder will be on the exhaust stroke while the opposite cylinder fires. Since the igniter is working fine for one cylinder, and since the spark plugs in both cylinders are fired at the same time from the same coil, it doesn't seem possible to me that the igniter is at fault.

You may want to swap the spark plug connections to see if the problem moves to the opposite cylinder. If it does the problem may be in the spark plug cap, wire, or coil. If the problem stays on the same cylinder it is unlikely the ignition system is the source of the problem. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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Re: 83 440 LTD Spark issue now... IGNITER problem?

13 May 2014 08:12
#632251
Geez,Ed...I even said that yesterday while I was going through things(the wasted spark set-up)
It was really bright outside when I was going through this,but I will do further narrowing down in the garage,where I can turn off some lights.
I had 3 different coils with me,all with wires attached.I swapped coils,wires,plugs...nothing got me spark to both plugs though.
I will get back to it soon though.
Thanks for the reminder,Bud!!
1977 KZ1000 A-1

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