Ignition Problem??? TCI???

Skip · Posted: October 13, 2008, 4:48 pm Post subject: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

Hi Guys and gals.
Today I was out for a ride and a weird thing happened.My 78 SE (which has been totolly changed over to electronic ignition from a 81SH) occasionally started to miss a beat,then about 15 minuites later it started running real flat equally on both cylinders and would only rev to about 3,000 rpm max.Also it would send out ocassional ear shattering backfires like gun shots. I limped it home,Checked primary and secondary coil values OK.Was about to check pick up coil values but could not see what or where the pick up coil plugs in to.I would assume the TCI but to ask a stupid question,where is the TCI located? Does the pick up coil either work or not as the bike will run and idle but when you put a load on it it lays over and starts backfiring frightning small children and causing the police to draw thier guns. Any help would be appriciated!
Thank's Skip

xsjohn · Posted: October 13, 2008, 4:57 pm Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

My 80 did that years ago and it was a connection somewhere.....I cleaned "all" the connections and used dielectric grease on them and it never did it again.........

xsjohn

Skip · Posted: October 13, 2008, 5:05 pm Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

Thank's XSjohn ,could you tell me where the TCI unit is located?

xsjohn · Posted: October 13, 2008, 5:53 pm Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

TCI is under the battery box.............wouldn't need to mess with that....at least not yet......clean the connections found on the harness......look near the back of the tank......big white connetctors can be pulled apart with 2 pair of pliers......the pickup coil 3 pin connector is there too.......kill switch.....coil wires under the tank.......sandpaper.......see what happens.......then clean some more connectors.......there is plenty of them for sure.....headlight and under the side covers........get them all .......really should be done anyway............

xsjohn

Skip · Last edited by Skip on October 25, 2008, 11:15 pm; edited 2 times in total

Hey John,I checked and cleaned all the connections and checked the pick up coil resistance - OK .Still nothing.
Then I found this link by JoshX on CDI ignitor transistor replacement for low or no spark on electronic models. Works like a charm! Ya gotta love a cheap and easy fix!! Heres the link!
www.650rider.com/index...transistor
Thanks for all your help!
Skip

xsjohn · Posted: October 17, 2008, 9:51 am Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

Skip..........good job..............me I am a parts swaper but it is good to know that they can be easily fixed if the transistor is the problem.....doesn't hurt to have clean connections either in the long run......

xsjohn

Skip · Posted: October 17, 2008, 10:06 am Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

John
I am with you on the parts swap,makes troubleshooting easier for sure!
These CDI's are hard to find these days.even on ebay.And you know what that means.............$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Skip

xsjohn · Posted: October 17, 2008, 10:15 am Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

Did you get a couple of extra transistors........??

xsjohn

Skip · Posted: October 17, 2008, 11:05 am Post subject: Re: Ignition Problem??? TCI???

No John,but they are a popular in stock item for most electrical specialty shop.Of course that won't help you on the side of the road.in the middle of nowhere.But then again,who really carries a solder gun with them anyway!
Skip

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