Bad coil.....any info?

[plotski]

If a coil goes bad will it do any other damage to the electrical system?
If so what are the most likely things to be damaged?
Any info would be helpful.
The bike is a 78 GS1000 and I am soooooo close to riding it I am twitching.
On my way to pick up a new coil now......will check this when I get back(about a 2.5 hr round trip)
Thanks

[hikermikem]

Are you buying one OEM coil??

Expensive if so, look at the aftermarket coil sets - cheaper & better.

[plotski]

Yes I am thinking of replacing just the one coil with an aftermarket one.....money is a little tight right now......

[hikermikem]

I'm assuming you have ruled out plug caps/wires/points, etc...

I would think its better to just replace both coils, if that's where your trouble shooting brought you - likely the one you're leaving alone will go soon as well...

I am running a set of Dyna coils on my 550 & 650, work great - much better than OEM.

[80GS750]

i have lots of spare coils laying around....

let me know if you need a couple.. although it may be a little too late

[don_gibb6512]

If a coil goes bad will it do any other damage to the electrical system?
If so what are the most likely things to be damaged?
Any info would be helpful.
The bike is a 78 GS1000 and I am soooooo close to riding it I am twitching.
On my way to pick up a new coil now......will check this when I get back(about a 2.5 hr round trip)
Thanks

Nope, won't do any damage to the electrical system. If the coil quits altogether, no spark on two plugs. If the windings inside are going bad, you will experience issues that resemble carb problems, fouled plugs, running rough, etc. Do an ohm test on the primary and secondary windings. 3-5 Ohms on the primary and around 32K Ohms on the secondary is what you should see. Also check to see if you're getting 12v to the coils. If the bike is running the original wiring, then you're almost 100 percent guaranteed that you're not getting 12v to the coils. Do a search on Coil Relay Mod. Lots of info there. If you go with replacement coils, use the green Dyna 3 Ohm with the Dyna 8mm wires.

Good luck.

Don

[plotski]

I appreciate the tip.....thanks.