Weak spark

[Harry P.]

82 GS850GL

Coil relay mod, good battery 12.9V, 12+ V at the coils, weak spark orange color just kind of sad looking, all plugs the same. New NGK caps, new plugs. Coils look to be orig so I'm thinking replacements are in order or could it be the wires?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Have you taken resistance reading on the coils? Are they in spec?



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Harry P.]

I have not and could not find anything on how to properly check it.

[TeamDar]

Best way to check them is to remove the 28 year old coils from your bike. Throw them in the trash and replace them with a set of green 3-ohm dyna coils with wires. Try the spark test again and when it goes, "crack crack crack" with the 30,000 volts of spark you will know that you did the right thing. Then take it for a ride and notice the difference! Dar

[Harry P.]

Would those be the DC1-1's?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, the green ones. Sure, new stuff is usually better. You'd probably never have to worry about the coils again. If not, these little articles might help.

Ignitor/Signal Generator/Coil Test

Testing The Ignition System


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Harry P.]

Basscliff, thank you. I have seen the light and willl check them tomorrow and post my findings.

[Harry P.]

I have seen a post saying you can replace the wires on the original coils that are epoxied in. Think I'd like to go that route if my coils check out good. Do I just chip away at the stuff till the wire pulls out, stick in the new wire & re-epoxy or is there a trick to it?

[Harry P.]

Coils both show 5 at the wires and 12.6K (measured by sticking the prongs through close to the coil, not through the boot) at the plug wires. I think this is a good sign they are OK. I got some new plug wire from NAPA but would like a bit of guidance as to how I replace the old wires as they are epoxied in. Do I just dremel it out, pull the old, stick in the new & re-epoxy or is there something I should know of before starting this?

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Yes, be very careful chipping and scraping away the old epoxy. Also be careful not to damage the spikes at the bottom of the wire holes in the coils. It has been done successfully. Take your time.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Harry P.]

Thanks Basscliff, I'll be careful. Maybe take a pic or 2 of my progress

[Harry P.]

Progress so far, little deeper in than I thought but getting there....not sure how to post the pics but you can take a look in my album....

[Harry P.]

This way did not work

[Harry P.]

This was much easier

[Harry P.]