1985 gs450 left cylinder no spark

[Anonymous]

My girlfriends 1985 gs 450 lost spark to the left side cylinder at the end of last season. I was able to get it to work for about 15 miles with a coil i had laying around(from a snowmobile I think). then it died again. I figured I burned out this smaller coil and purchased 2 used ones from ebay. tried both of them. no good. with the engine running on the right cylinder if I test the two wires going to the coil, the both have constant power. I was under the impresion one should have constant power and the other should have a pulse to fire the coil. Does anyone know what I should check next? It seems to be electronic ignition and not points, but I am kinda guessing. Any help would be great! thanks guys. captcaveman30

[snark]

The next two things I'd check are the ignighter and signal generator. The Clymer Manual has the proper testing procedures.

[Buffalo Breath]

coil

so put the known good coil on the the left side, still no fire then check what snak says, never put a coil on any electronic system if the ohms are not in the same range, you may have ruined the ignition system by doing this!!!!

[snark]

Watch the connecters for the coils. Beleive it or not, my bike had a different connecter for each side. I was lucky and had a spare set of coils so I could test with a replacement coil.

[Buffalo Breath]

coils

color makes no difference, put power to power and signal to signal, l/r makes no difference

[snark]

It wasn't the color...it was the plug. Each side had a specific connector so that they couldn't be reversed.

[Buffalo Breath]

coil

spad connectors and a short piece of wire problem solved, cost .50$ any thing can be done to save time and money

[Anonymous]

thanks for advice, HOW do I check the ignitor though? thanks guys!

[Anonymous]

I have it narrowed down to the ignitor. Anyone happen to have one for sale? Thanks

[snark]

Ebay is a good source. I got mine for $20.