TOPIC:

Have been lurking for months and getting great info, but now I'm stumped. I have never been too good at electrical systems-Please Help!!!

I'll try to provide as much info as I can on the first try.
'81 LTD 550 27,000 miles, sat for 4 years, had to clean carbs, free engine, brakes, all cables, change brake fluid, new battery, and a good general cleaning.

I had a charging problem- determined it was my error- plugged wire in wrong spot- charging great now(14.5 volts @ 4000 rpm's). But, as I was putting fuse panel back on frame- did not notice that I was pinching wires (White/Red) that go from battery to rectifier between frame and metal panel.

4 miles from home bike loses power and dies. Now, no spark on any plug. Bike will turn over great, have all lights when turning key-just no spark.

Have checked:
Fuses- Good checked with OHM Meter
Coils- 12.5 volt to coil(Yellow/White Wire)
Pick-up Coil- Have a D.C. Pulse(No good #'s-have analog meter)
Igniter coil: Black wire- 0 volts
Blue wire -1 volt
Yellow wire - ~4.2 volts
Red wire - ~6.3 volts
Is my igniter shot?
I saw the thread on the GM HEI Modules-Should I try this?

Thanks, Steve

Steve, you obviously know a bit about what you are doing. I would say that if your coils have power and your fuses are not blown, the obvious issues would be:

1. both coils failing at the same time (go figure!)
2. both pickup coils failing at the same time (go figure!)
3. igniter box failing (single point of failure)

Since the igniter box presents the only realistic single point of failure that seems likely, I would suspect it; as you do. I don't know how to test your igniter as I don't have a manual. How do the checks you made stack up to what the checks are supposed to yield? If the checks say the igniter is good, then our theory is wrong about the igniter being the problem; only way to tell is to have a Kaw Factory Service Manual or possibly a Clymer for the bike. I am sure loudvhx will jump in as he has a number of these bikes.

I can't comment on using the GM module either. I suspect that few folks have tried this but obviously some one did. Would there be a cost advantage over picking up another igniter off eBay? I would check the part number for your ignitior on buykawasaki.com and see what electronic ignitions use the same module and stick with plug-n-play and if I couldn't find an adequate replacement would go with a Dyna S as they are fairly inexpensive and work pretty well. I would do that stuff before messing with an adaptation unless someone has figured out all of what was necessary to use an automotive electronics bit.

I won a "guaranteed" working ignitor for my 550, so we'll see what happens after I get it. Keep You posted.

Another eBay "guaranteed to be working/came off a running bike" guarantee? Best of luck! I have not bought many ignition related components off eBay and had them work...

Got my 'new' ignitor today- wow fast shipping, won on Saturday!! Works Great.
Thanks WG for your insight.

I have a problem with no spark.I push start button and all i get is a click.I have a small crack in one of my coils.But i road it to a buddy of mine i thought and five years later i get my bike back with parts missing.Like my head light,air filters,grips,.When i took it there i road fine.Any help will do.Also by my coils it's a wire hooked to nothin and an't no wire for it to go to.tried to put pics on but said they were to big or something someone please help me.Sorry i have a kaw kz 750e 1980.

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 15:13

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 15:13

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 15:35

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 15:36

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 15:39

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 16:04

PARTS4SALE OR TRADE FRONT BACK TIRES/GOLDRIMS FORKS HANDLEBARS 1SIDE PIECE WHOLE FRONT BRAKE HOOKUP FENDER BACK BRAKES 2 SETS OF CARBS 4'S KICKSTAND FUSE BOX LIGHT BLINKER SWITCH FOR 750 KZ OR LTD SET OF CHROME MIRRORS.WILL TRADE FOR PARTS.I THINK I NEED A STARTER HOPE NOT OR COILS HEADLIGHT RING.ANYONE WITH THESE PARTS THAT NEED SOMETHING I GOT LETS DEAL.

Post edited by: KRAZY KAW, at: 2007/06/29 21:02

WASN'T NOBODY HELPING ME NO WAY BUT I GOT IT IT RUNS NOW AND FASTTTT.