Two cylinders dead, tried new coil

[superh3ro]

Hi All,

New member here, I've looked through 20+ pages of electrical issues (plus Basscliffs super informative page) and could not find a solution...finally created an account and hopefully looking forward to riding again.

So I bought a 1979 gs550L with around 10k miles that was converted to kickstart only. (it is running a battery eliminator kit with a capacitor) It ran well for about a month (rode it daily) then one day while I was riding I noticed a decrease in power like I was low on fuel.

I pulled over and realized that my 2/3 coil is smoking like crazy, I think I might have even seen the rectifer smoke a little bit. (definately know the rectifier is bad now, front and tail bulbs keep blowing)

So far I have replaced the ignition coil with an EMGO universal coil from dennis kirk https://www.denniskirk.com/ignition-coil.p208571.prd, new spark plugs and new spark plug boots. I adjusted the points gap but still cannot get the 2/3 cylinders to fire. The exhaust pipes are cold to the touch... I even tried to switch the wires to the coils to try and see if I recieved a defunked EMGO coil but when I tried I couldn't get the bike started...

Next I traced the wiring going to the ignition, the guys before me definately messed with it and simplified it. The wires coming from the coils to the ignition are soldered at one point to become one wire. (does that soun wierd to you guys?)

I am running out of idea on what to check next..

So here are a few questions...

Can a bad rectifier cause a no spark situation? (new rectifier on the way)

Can a battery eliminator be the source of the problem? Does the EMGO
ignition require more voltage than the OEM one?


Thanks guys..

[rustybronco]

The bike uses points and condensers. Inspect them or replace them if you are unsure as to there condition. Check for proper voltage at the coil and from the coil to the points while the point contacts are open. Voltage at the points should be at or near 0 volts when the point contacts are closed.

Repair charging system and put a battery back in it.

[superh3ro]

Thanks Rusty. I have checked the points, but will check with my multimeter as well.

So you are saying when the points are touching, there should be 0 voltage between the points and coil? I am a bit onfused.

[rustybronco]

Yes.

The coil is all the resistance in the circuit, not the wire between coil and points. Therefore all the voltage drop will be across the coil.