Hey all,
Was hoping someone has had a similar experience/problem as I am currently and could offer up the best solution to rectify etc.
About the bike: '88 FXR - HI4 Ignition Module
Problem: On occasion the bike will cut out, which requires a quick shift to locate the key, toggling the ignition switch off and then back on fixes it every time. Sometimes I could ride it almost the whole day with this happening only once or twice, other days can see me doing it 4 - 5 times over the course of a kilometer, but could then run happily for another two hours before needing to repeat the process. Was fairly confident it could have been ignition coil related, given they were the original set, looking a bit worse for wear and were the incorrect configuration to match my Crane Cams HI4 ignition module.
Just received a new Crane Cams ignition coil from the states, a 8-3005 which is one of two suggested coils to match up with the module I believe. Hooked 'em up, along with new plugs and leads, took her for a road test yesterday where she ran better than ever on the way to my destination but then ran like a pig on the return leg. Sort of got me thinking now that the module is over heating, then cutting out. It does have an in built safety device to prevent it cooking. Strangely though, I could ride it on a warmish day in traffic and it'd never cut out. Seems to be either when I push her to around the 3500 RPM range or whilst cruising at 100k's on the highway, generally that is, other times I could be thrown a curve ball and it'll happen at low revs/low speed with a coolish engine.
I'm thinking the quick toggle of the ignition switch resets the overtemp device and hence the module does its job again.
Seems to be also that hot or cold, whenever I get up to that rev range she'll miss and fart and carry on like there's no tomorrow before giving up the ghost.
Was thinking the next step would be to ride around for a while without the bull nose on to cover the ignition module, thereby letting some good air flow to the unit and see how it behaves then.
If it's only an overtemp thing and I could come up with a work around to prevent buying a new ignition coil that would most likely do the same, this would be the best result etc.
So that's my problem basically. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Diesel.
Scotty - I haven't ruled out the ignition switch either just yet, only thing that's kept it immuned from testing is the fact that it's an almost brand new unit. I am a little concerned about the previous owners technical skills so there's probably a good chance it wasn't installed correctly. Might be worth bypassing hey? I guess if I try this approach as well as running it with the bull nose off to check the over temp option (one at a time of course) I should have some clear direction. Will let you know, cheers mate.
Kiwidave - You really think there's a chance the module could have been damaged by running the wrong coils? I was thinking it would only restrict performance a little. I'm being hopeful there's nothing wrong with the module itself. This test you stated on bypassing the ignition and then observing a 'test light glowing', is this a generic type test light and not the LED on the ignition module? BTW it's the single fire and thanks for the thread response, cheers.
