Topic: Anyone running dyna ignition and dyna coils on their cb..?

[bwaller]

I don't know if I have piped in about this yet, old memory you know, plus I'm not looking for a "talking to".  My wifes CB550 is fitted with Dyna S and 3ohm coils, the harness is like new with relays for ignition & headlight. I try to understand all the theory, but truth is there has never been an issue. Being rural folk, we tend not to ride short jonts and not many traffic lights.

However, I am replacing the cheapo battery I had in there after only three years, so that may be some sort of indicator. It's also a street bike (592 with a compression bump) so I wasn't looking for anything extra from these components but the original coils were toast, (the Dynas are cheap) and I'll be damned if I'm going to play with points.

If guys would just take the time to do the complete job when restoring these, I'm sure there wouldn't be nearly as many issues nor the need to get in a pissing contest over it all. 

[TwoTired]

Being rural folk, we tend not to ride short jonts and not many traffic lights.

This is a key point imo, as less time at idle means less battery drain, and a much shorter battery recharge time.

Further, I should mention that the CB550 Alternator's 150W spec is a minimum spec.  Meaning some production examples may well put out 10-20 % more and still be within Honda acceptance spec.  This is in the realm of production variances.

I have read several threads where the CB550 was fitted with dyna-s and 3 ohm coils and had battery charge/loss issues.  Even Dyna does not recommend this combo for the CB550 and have replaced 3 ohm coils 5 ohm coils under their "warranty".

If guys would just take the time to do the complete job when restoring these, I'm sure there wouldn't be nearly as many issues...

Much truth there.
The problem is: the very wide audience knowledge base and capability set among the forum members.

Were I to feel the need for the Dyna-s and 3 ohm coils on a CB550, I think I'd find a DC-DC converter to run the field coil at, say 16-18V instead of battery voltage.  Increasing the field strength should also increase alternator max output.  And, I speculate there are enough design margins built in that 90% of the stators can live long lives at the higher current loading.
However, I think I would rather get a better designed point eliminator (if I lacked the skills to maintain points), and don't see a real "need" for 3 ohm coils on a stock SOHC4 engine.

Yes, 3 ohm coils have the potential to make higher voltages.  So what?  Unless you make other changes as well, that "potential" remains unused/unrequired.  It's rather like replacing your 4-5 gallon gas tank with a 20 gallon, but still refilling the tank each time 3.5 gallons have been used.

That's my perspective, anyway.  For me it's just a science project and cost/benefit ratio analysis, rather than a religious argument.  My hobby has survived the dyna and 3 ohm coil acolytes thus far without the cash donation to cause.    /jk

Cheers,

[Retro Rocket]

Yawn.....

[heffay]

I had to skip a few chapters, are there cliffs notes?

[Gordon]

I had to skip a few chapters, are there cliffs notes?

No need.  You should already have this one memorized.

[bigjeff]

I know this is an older thread but I think I have a valid point that has not been brought up yet.

The Dyna S  and the 3 ohm vs 5 ohm debate. 

1.  The Dyna S instructions warn to use the MINIMUM of a 3 ohm coil.

2. Now bear in mind, a 3 ohm coil has a tolerance range of lets say plus or minus 10% (actually more or less depending on the manufacturer).

The first time I put new 3 ohm coils on my cb550 one of the pick ups on the brand new Dyna S fried in a very short time - like after an hour of use.  I was like:  "@#$@! quality control!!!!  But then I got my meter out and read the coils and read the fine print of the tolerances of those 3 ohm coils.  The coils actually read 2.73 ohms - which is NOT in line with the 3 ohm minimum that the Dyna S manufacturer calls out.  So - could that be the issue?  Perhaps.

So I went to the black 5 ohm dyna coils and a new Dyna S on the same bike and it was  happy trails.

Just food for thought.

[Terry in Australia]

That's a good point Jeff, and might be the case, I've been running a Dyna S and Dyna 3 Ohm coils in my bike for 10 years or so with no issues, but I've been using 5 Ohm Dyna coils on bikes ever since Hondaman suggested that this would take a load off the electrical system. Cheers, Terry.

[slikwilli420]

Not only that but Dyna and Dynoman recommend 5ohm for street use and 3ohm for racing use, though I used a 3ohm setup on the street for a while with no issues. I fried an ignition pickup but that was about 8-10 years ago when they had some quality issues, which I understand have been fixed now. The Dyna S and 3ohm system is what is going on my race bike.

[Dunk]

No experience with Dyna customer service, one Dyna-S and 3 ohm coils on my K1 are fmor a previous K1 and probably about 10 years old with no issues. other set is a year old and no issues. I'm aware running electronic ignition is a risk in the reliability department, but even my gasoline 4 wheeled vehicles I've converted them all to electronic ignition. I hate technology, but this is one thing i think is worth modernizing.

I run Dyna-S, Dyna 3 ohm coils, and Iridium plugs. Bikes definitely start easier when cold and less sensitive to choke or finicky when cold, as compared to a freshly cleaned and properly adjusted points setup with factory coild, good caps, and new copper plugs. I like the Dyna system. For a 550 you would want the 5 ohm coils to not overwhelm the charging system.

[PeWe]

I tried Dyna 3 ohm coils with Dyna-S ignition. Battery drained really quick. Back to the dealer that was kind to change to 5 ohm coils for a small fee. Then no battery draining issue. Later changed to points and Hondaman ignition. My bike work really fine so I cannot see any advantage to use 3 ohm  coils.
Engine starts direct. ign wire might help too
http://www.gsparkplug.com/7mm-ht-ignition-lead-cable-high-resistance-kevlar-core-high-temp-cable-red.html
They have NGK 5 kohm caps and plugs here too for a good price.