Topic: 75 Honda CB550 K1 - Cylinders 2 & 3 dead

[Gene]

Ok, I know this is not a new issue, just opening a thread to see where this dilemma leads me.

I have spark at the condensers (screwdriver check and v-meter), checked for spark at the #3 plug and nada. BUT, wildcard, I f***ed with my carbs - cleaned the bowls/jets/etc. after doing a REAL clean of the tank w/Prep-n-etch. Tank is, at last, clean. Been f**ckin around w/vinegar for years. AGAIN this is for those that come after me/us. I don't need hate. 

Anyhoo - have yet to do a V check on the left coil (2 & 3) cuz I ran out of time. But, I will check that and report back here. Will also check fuel delivery, tho that doesn't seem like a likely culprit as 1 & 2 are fed off the same fuel line - still - will double-check.

Checked and rechecked points/timing - all looks right with the world. Will check again. Battery is fully charged - bike starts right up on 1 & 4 only. New plugs.

Throwing this out as a reminder to myself as well as a warning to others should they come across the same situation.

[ekpent]

 See if you maybe did something to the wiring around the 2/3 coils while you were taking off and putting on the tank. Start the probing. Hope its something simple for ya.

[754]

 And clean  the points with paper.
 If you carefully open then with a screwdriver you can hear the plugs fire , if it's working.
 WARNING., IT CAN AT TIMES  BACKFIRE VERY LOUDLY..

[Gene]

I thought of the tank on/off disconnection scenario this morning. Will check and report back. Has to be something that simple since all four were firing last week.

As always, thank you gents.

[Deltarider]

In case you have the stock ignition setup, I'd first check the 2.3 breakerpoints and condenser. Open the ignition cover. First check if 2.3 breakerpointgap is still correct and also that the forked connector at the back of the breakerpoints isn't accidently touching the plate. Then, with engine running, see if there's excessive arcing at the 2.3 breakerpoints. A tiny bit of sparking is normal, excessive sparking is not good. See

In this vid left condensor (1+4) is bad, right condensor (2+3) is good.

[Gene]

In case you have the stock ignition setup, I'd first check the 2.3 breakerpoints and condenser. Open the ignition cover. First check if 2.3 breakerpointgap is still correct and also that the forked connector at the back of the breakerpoints isn't accidently touching the plate. Then, with engine running, see if there's excessive arcing at the 2.3 breakerpoints. A tiny bit of sparking is normal, excessive sparking is not good. See

In this vid left condensor (1+4) is bad, right condensor (2+3) is good.

I did check that, thank you Delta. I was hoping it was the points and/or condenser. I think I'll replace both anyway - just to see what shakes.

But - 1 thing at a time.

[754]

Before you replace anything, it better to figure out what is wrong first.

[Gene]

^^^ right. Just thinking out loud.

[Gene]

I'm getting it ready to sell - and I think it knows that. Sabotaging my efforts. He's very comfortable right where he is. Yes, I am anthropomorphizing a machine.

[Deltarider]

I'm getting it ready to sell - and I think it knows that. Sabotaging my efforts. He's very comfortable right where he is. Yes, I am anthropomorphizing a machine.

Try to think as your bike.

[Gene]

I'm getting it ready to sell - and I think it knows that. Sabotaging my efforts. He's very comfortable right where he is. Yes, I am anthropomorphizing a machine.

Try to think as your bike.

Yes

[seanbarney41]

Bikes don't think.  They are merely machines.  Attributing human qualities to machinery is a good way to impede your understanding of said machinery.

[Gene]

Fair enuf. If the bike had thoughts and feelings it would have bucked me off long ago.

[Gene]

Getting readings of 2 ohms on both coils at the B/W leads. They're connected well, which is too bad, that would have been a nice easy fix. still seeing the same issue. Checked for spark on #2 - same as 3, nothing. Plug grounded to the head, zero spark.

Battery fully charged. moving on. Checking cap resistance.

Then checking condensers.

in that order. reminding myself.

[Gene]

MM set up pic for ohms - if I'm doing it wrong.

[Gene]

One cap tested out at 10+ (trash), the other was fine. I had two new ones anyway, tested, trimmed back a little wire, plugged 'em on, still no spark.

[Gene]

You want to check for voltage in B/W wires first. That way you kno the coil is firing.

Resistance check across caps after you confirm voltage.

OK - I did check for that earlier - 10.30 approx on both

Edit - 11.16 on both - battery needs another recharge

PS same plug in but at 20V on the MM.

[Gene]

got to be the points . . . it's always the points. Back in a few/

[RJ CB450]

I'm getting it ready to sell - and I think it knows that. Sabotaging my efforts. He's very comfortable right where he is. Yes, I am anthropomorphizing a machine.

This is off topic... Yes... Yes... But you never met my 'Tina.  That bike has enough personality to make even the most atheist believe is the Taoist belief that all things have a soul.

[Gene]

it's always the points. gap was fine, etc. But, I'm a hoarder, so I threw the old points back on for 2-3. I had replaced them w/Da-f***in-ici (made in Japan, thought they were fine) a year or more ago. Put the old TEC points back on - bang. fired right up.

dang. Well, it's ready to go now. Always a pleasure gentlemen.

[Gene]

I'm getting it ready to sell - and I think it knows that. Sabotaging my efforts. He's very comfortable right where he is. Yes, I am anthropomorphizing a machine.

This is off topic... Yes... Yes... But you never met my 'Tina.  That bike has enough personality to make even the most atheist believe is the Taoist belief that all things have a soul.

I believe you.

[Gene]

what I wrote here previously was rude and not worthy of this forum, my apologies to any who read it and were offended.

Thank you all, even you, Cal , for your help with any and all issues arising from this amateur's lack of knowledge. I'm easily distracted by shiny things.