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Author Topic: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.  (Read 1433 times)

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Offline Ayrity

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Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« on: October 22, 2017, 02:49:59 pm »
Hey all, so I finally am replacing lots of the electronics in my 76 cb550. Have a new custom wire harness coming as well as an electronic ignition upgrade to replace the points and new ignition coils (mine are all tape wrapped and half melted looking). This is my first real dive into the electrical system, and while I know enough about electricity in general, and overall what's going on, I'm confused. My main question is, what are these (from google searches I've found they are called) igniter boxes? they say "mc-5194 nec" on them and are right next to the ignition coils. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

Should I go ahead and get new ones? I can't seem to find any on the usual parts sites anyway. Once I replace the points ignition system and the coils, do I still need these? Are their function replaced by the new electronic ignition, or the new coils?

I thought the power for the spark came from the coils and the timing was from the points, what do these do?

Thanks for dealing with such a noob question!
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1976 Honda CB550k

Offline calj737

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #1 on: October 22, 2017, 02:56:01 pm »
Those are not stock for your 550K bike; they're for the CX models. I don't believe they will be compatible with your replacement electronic ignition. Best you purchase new 5.0Ohm coils and wires, plus 5k resistor NGK plug caps.
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'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Ayrity

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2017, 03:10:49 pm »
Hu weird. I wonder why they are on my bike then? I bought this http://4into1.com/ignition-coils-and-caps-honda-cb350f-cb400f-cb500-cb550/

That should work right?
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1976 Honda CB550k

Offline evinrude7

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2017, 03:34:46 pm »
looks right to me. 
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Offline calj737

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2017, 03:37:11 pm »
Quote from: Ayrity on October 22, 2017, 03:10:49 pm
Hu weird. I wonder why they are on my bike then? I bought this http://4into1.com/ignition-coils-and-caps-honda-cb350f-cb400f-cb500-cb550/

That should work right?
Those are correct replacements.
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'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Ayrity

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #5 on: October 22, 2017, 03:48:43 pm »
great, thank you! no wonder I was confused that nothing really came up when I searched "cb550 mc-5194 nec". Now all I have to do is understand wtf every wire does and goes.
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1976 Honda CB550k

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #6 on: October 22, 2017, 03:53:52 pm »
Quote from: Ayrity on October 22, 2017, 03:48:43 pm
Now all I have to do is understand wtf every wire does and goes.

The colorized clymer manual diagram is perfect for that.
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #7 on: October 22, 2017, 04:49:23 pm »
The electric FAQ has a color code/ function assignment list.

It's not 100%, but useful.

Cheers,
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

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Offline Ayrity

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Re: Redoing electrical, and have a few ignition questions.
« Reply #8 on: October 22, 2017, 08:14:02 pm »
Quote from: BomberMann650 on October 22, 2017, 03:53:52 pm
Quote from: Ayrity on October 22, 2017, 03:48:43 pm
Now all I have to do is understand wtf every wire does and goes.

The colorized clymer manual diagram is perfect for that.

Thanks! I have it, just haven't poured over it yet.
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1976 Honda CB550k
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