Troubleshooting damaged signal generator

[Guest]

Long story, but my 1983 GS1100GL was tipped over on it's side while the signal generator cover was off. Of course this bent one of the pickups. I've bent it back into place and adjusted the gap on it, but still am only firing on 2 cylinders. Is there a good way to test to see if this is actually the cause of the no spark? I'm not positive this is the problem because the bike has been sitting for over 10 years.

[tom203]

So which two cylinders aren't firing??

Head to this link -test all and note step 11

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/storagecliff/images/electrical_odd-n-ends.html#A17

Ten years of sitting means lots of problems- don't guess,test!

[cldowers]

I don't remember. I haven't touched it since last summer. It was one from each coil. The bike isn't at my house so it will be a few days till I can check again.

It was a running bike before the tip. It will run on two cylinders now.

That site you linked to is great. Thanks!

[OldVet66]

Both wires from each coil fire at the same time. Cylinder 1-4 from one coil and 2-3 from the other coil. If one cylinder from each coil is not firing it would be spark plug caps or wires. If it's 1-4 or 2-3 not firing it would be a coil or a module not firing the coil. cylinders are 1,2,3,4 left to right.

[hjfisk]

I believe you can test the pic up by turning the key to the on position and checking for magnetism by holding a small screw diver over the pick ups

[cldowers]

It was 2 and 3. My memory was wrong. The left pickup (towards the back of the bike) is the damaged one. Does it send signal tothat coil? Once I finish diagnostics does this kit make sense to replace the signal generator and coils: eBay link

[OldVet66]

I would imagine it will work if you can get an older mechanical advance that will fit the motor. I'm not familiar with the conversion, but others will know if there is a part that will fit. The modules pictured on the Dyna-S are the old style modules. The new ones are thinner now. Switch your coils, if 2-3 still doesn't fire, it's the module. If it follows to 1-4 it's the coil.

[cldowers]

After following all of these suggestions, I determined that it is the signal generator. I have ordered a new (new to me) one and should receive it today. The carbs are in pieces and soaking right now. All of the stuff for an oil change are ready to go. Hopefully I will be riding this bike again this weekend after 12 years of sitting.

[cldowers]

So, I managed to get it running long enough for other issues to pop up. The CDI and one of the coils burned out now. I had access to the CDI and coils from a Honda CB750 and wired them in to the bike and it now runs. Now I need to figure out how to make those permanent (make mounts, etc.) or find actual Suzuki parts to put back into it.

[tkent02]

So, I managed to get it running long enough for other issues to pop up. The CDI and one of the coils burned out now.

That's not likely. There is no CDI.

[cldowers]

Then what is the little black box that controlls the ignition called?

[Nessism]

Parts fishe will allow you to look up the parts numbers (and names). http://www.alpha-sports.com/suzuki_parts.htm

Factory service manual here...http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/...ice_Manual.pdf You can look up part names in this too.

To answer your question, it's called an ignitor. A CDI is a completely different type of ignition system.

[cldowers]

I was told by someone it was a CDI. When I search that part number many results show up calling it CDI.

[Nessism]

I was told by someone it was a CDI. When I search that part number many results show up calling it CDI.

Yup, lots of people don't know what they are talking about. Be careful out there otherwise you will be one too.