You're welcome Ragidda,
Coils = 25ohms...I think this is OK...thats what the coils on my stocker read
er...Stock coils have 5 ohm primaries.
Plugs = They spark fine if I manually break the points with the key switch in the ON position
Yeah, I got that. But, then the starter hasn't sucked the voltage down. And the ignition makes spark voltage based on what it is fed and proportionatly less when the input voltage is less. If your spark plugs need, say, 10000 volts to fire, it may develop that with twelve volts applied to the primaries. But, may only make 8000 volts when fed from a 8 volt input. Thus, no spark. If you have excess resistance in the spark plugs or wires, this may explain your issue since you have to overcome this added resistance with higher spark voltage.
It's why I asked for ignition details. Sometimes, when you turn the volume down, you just can't hear the music.
Battery = Multimeter shows 12 volts...and it starts my stocker with no problems.
I connnected the multimeter to the IGN key switch post and when I turn the start over the voltage drops to 8/9 volts [from 12]. So it sounds like wiring between the battery/points/coils is not a problem.
The test details are important to make electrical cause visible. The voltage measurements were to be taken under the same conditions in each of three places. Voltage readings vary with resistance and current. Voltages under load may be different than with no load, and measuring at different points under the same conditions or with multiple meters during the same conditions can isolate where excessive resistances can be found in system. Knowing what your battery terminal voltage is during starting would be helpful information for remote troubleshooting. If same as ignition post, then wiring is likely okay.
I am not confident at all that the starter is in good shape. However I recall a few times when starting the motor that while turning over it would start to click. I would have to back off the starter then try again and it would start OK.
I had a CB550 that did that. Got progressively worse over time. It was starter bearings.
Is there a test I can do with my multimeter to check out the starter?
I'm not sure I would trust your multimeter if you are reading 5 ohm coils as 25 ohms. Anyway, the starter draws about 120 amps normally. At 12 V this would make the windings about 0.10 ohms. You will need a VERY accurate meter and impeccable test technique to differentiate between that and something approximating a direct short (0 ohms). You could measure the current draw if you have access to a DC current meter that is 200 amp capable. Or, you could take out the starter, pull it apart and look at the armature for signs of scraping against the frame.
Good Luck!
