'82 GS 850 G: Ignition Problems

[Anonymous]

Problem: My starter motor will turn, but the engine won't ignite. I've cleaned and checked all spark plugs for sparks. None of them spark.

Thoughts and Actions thus far (please help):

I checked the Signal Generator with my ohm meter and got nothing between the green and blue wires. My Manual says I should get between 290 and 350 ohms. So, I bought a new signal generator. Just for fun, I checked that one too, and got 0 ohms between its green and blue wires. Is it possible that I got a faulty new signal generator? Or, is it more likely that my manual is wrong? (By the way, I used more than 1 good ohm meters to be sure.)

I'm assuming that both my Ignition Coils did not fail simultaneously, as that seems unlikely. Or is it? Or maybe one coil failed, I didn't notice and kept riding it, and the other coil failed later?

So that leaves the Igniter Unit, which I have not yet checked. Does anyone know a good way to check this? Or how likely it would be for this part to fail? Or if there might be another cause to my bike not starting?

Thanks for the help.
paul

[Anonymous]

According to the manual you are correct the ohms reading between the blue and green wires on the Signal Generator should be between 290-360ohms. Are you sure you have the meter set to the correct setting on the ohms scale, don't mean to insult your intelligence but just asking. Just a guess because it seems unlikely that you would have 2 bad units or get a bad one from stock but it has happened, there is nothing more frustrating then assuming your part is good only to put you on a wild goose chase, always consider a new part may be defective...
However did you try measuring the new generator prior to putting it on?, I just wonder if whatever blew the original one blew the new one too and that is why there is no reading. Just a guess But you are correct the reading should be 290-360...

[Anonymous]

No insult taken whatsoever, but I'm pretty darn sure the ohmeter was on the right setting. Actually, it got 0 ohms regardless of the setting.

Yeah, I measured the new generator before putting it on. Unfortunately, not in the shop. I'm guessing both generators are good, and the manual is wrong. Afterall, it is Clymers.

Still don't know where to begin to assess this ignition problem. There are so many variables. (Can I assume the manual is wrong on the signal generator? Can I assume a new part works? etc.) Any suggestions are more than welcome.

[Anonymous]

The manual Clymer which i dont put much faith in in this case is not wrong because i also have the factory manual and it is identical. I just replaced the motor in my bike a couple months ago with one that had a lot less mileage on it. Anyway I scavengered some parts off the old one the signal generator being one of them. The old generator had a reading of 321.5 ohms and the new one has a reading 324.7 ohms. I also have the factory manual and they have supplement info for the other variations of 850's produced, kind of like a differences section and for the GLZ GX/GLX & GT models under electrical it says the exact same thing 290-360 ohms Bl-G.
The factory manual for the GLD & GZ series bikes is different it says if the resistance is infinity or less then then specifications, the signal generator must be replaced.
Black - Yellow
Green - Black APPROX. 140-180 OHMS.
For the GLD & GZ model bikes It shows a white molex connector with 4 wires black, yellow - green, black. So in this instance the manuals seem to be correct, you must have gotten a bogus part if they both show 0 ohms. If you have a diode check on your meter (flukes have them) then if it is zero and not infinity it will beep indicating a direct short and not an open which will be infinity showing 000 ohms.
Guess it doesn't matter zero or infinity either way it says replace the unit.

You have the GLZ model right?

Sorry I can't be of more use, I checked the manual and it agrees with Clymer this time. If you are pretty certain you got a bad part from stock I would bring my meter to the store and check the resistance on the new one prior to leaving, it wouldn't be the first time a part was bad from stock. Not that it helps you any for the money spent but maybe they will honor it and replace it for you.
Good Luck, if there is anything else you want to know from the factory manual let me know. I have the correct wiring print for the 850's which clymer is wrong on...

[focus frenzy]

did you check the fuse, not just looking at it, use the meter and also clean the fuse holder contacts.

also check for battery voltage at the ignition coils (orange with white stripe wires)

very rare but possible to have a bad pickup coils (old and new)