Starting Issues... Need New Spark Unit?

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gerpena · #1 Post by **gerpena** » Sun May 07, 2006 8:09 am

I haven’t been able to start my 83 nighthawk 550 since I brought it out from winter storage. The first thing I tested was for a fat blue spark from my spark plugs while holding them against the engine block for grounding. There was no spark. Since then I have carefully gone through Clymers and tested the following:

1. Replaced Spark Plugs
2. Replaced with new battery
3. Checked for continuity in spark plug wires
4. Ignition Coils: Checked for proper resistance in primary and secondary leads (~2.8 Ohm)
5. Spark Plug Caps: Checked for proper resistance (~5 kOhm)
6. Pulse Generator: Checked for proper resistance in both pairs of leads (~330 Ohm)

Finally, I tested again for the fat blue spark and still no dice. Clymers now suggests the Spark Unit is faulty and needs to be replaced. The bike shop charges me 125 bucks for a used one.

Do you guys think I have enough info to make the purchase? Any Suggestions?

NorthernPete · #2 Post by **NorthernPete** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:36 am

Why go through a shop, get the part yourself from a wrecker yard and install it yourself. Check Ebay, Im sure you could find it cheaper.

CORSCO · #3 Post by **CORSCO** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:40 am

Please make sure your kill switch is in the RUN posistion as Honda's will turn over with it in the OFF posistion. It is unlikely that your bike lost spark from sitting in storage if it was running before it sat. Although anything is possible.

NorthernPete · #4 Post by **NorthernPete** » Sun May 07, 2006 9:43 am

Damn....I forgot about kill switches *L I dont know how long Ive spent yanking on my snowmobiles pull cord just to look down and see the kill switch...

gerpena · #5 Post by **gerpena** » Sun May 07, 2006 10:49 am

the kill stich is on... how can i check if the connection bad?