Topic: Still chasing ignition woes

[Bankerdanny]

Ok, it appears that I have fixed it, although can't swear I know exactly how I did it. I confirmed that I had power completely through the 2-3 circuit to the coil, but still no spark.

I went to O'Reilly and got a points file and dressed the points. Then I removed the bolt and all the washers and gave everything a good clean and made sure everything went back in the correct order (which they already were when I took them apart). Then I carefully reassembled and made sure all my gaps and timing were still correct.

I put the tank back on and started it. I could tell from how it rev'd I had all 4 this time, but to be sure I grabbed some water from my apartment, started it again and let it run for a bit then poured water on all 4 pipes and got a nice sizzle and steam.

I did a short ride around the block and it ran ok, but not great. However, the gas is old and it hasn't run consistently on all 4 for 11 months, so it likely needs gas and a good ride.

Before I do that it needs the headlight reinstalled, which I am working on now. I am also replacing the halogen sealed beam with an LED I ordered this week. It was much easier to adapt to the stock housing than the one in my 550. It is overall thinner than the bulb that was there, so I should gain a little space in the shell.

[ekpent]

 Points file might have been a good thing. I have had dirty points that did not work right on new projects so I always clean and hit them with a file nowadays during first start up prep. I would change the 2/3 plugs at least if the bike has not been firing on those as they may be pretty fouled out getting gas and not burning it. Glad you got her going as summer is definitely here - vroom vroom

[Deltarider]

Some use a business card to 'clean' the points surfaces and then, surprise, surprise the bike won't run on all four anymore, due to the paper pulp on the surfaces. Also that inner minuscule insulator may have been shifted somewhat... but enough for that little bolt to ground. You can look for days for these things.

[Bankerdanny]

Got it out for about 30 miles. Very early in the ride, about 10 miles in, when I was on the highway it started to act up again, I pulled off and started to head back, but after a couple miles it was running fine, so I changed my route and did another 20 and it performed perfectly.

I did order a set of OEM Honda 2-3 points and I also tracked down a couple more points plates in my parts stash today, so if it acts up again I will have some options.

[PeWe]

Intermittent issues like that can also be caused by a bad connector crimp. Move wires and resistance will be lower to later become higher due to corrosion when sitting.
Squeeze the point plate wire connectors with a plier.

I should order a new complete plate.
Even a new Daiichi plate is better than old intermittently failing one that might cause engine issues.
The condensors on Daiichi did not live that long on my bike in the 80's.

Here a nos plate for not as much as others sell them for.
Photo show TEC.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/392792342531

[low-side]

IMO, it sounds very likely that your 2-3 coil is breaking down at higher temperatures.  Getting spark back again after a brief cool down period, combined with all the other tests and inspections you've made, is what makes me think that.  Good luck with it, mystery problems like that are nasty.

[PeWe]

That kind of bad coil behaviour has been described not long ago, Hondaman.