Topic: Very very low spark problem!

[Aztrobot7]

Hi guys I have a 1975 cb200t, Im currently having some problems getting good spark. I checked voltage with a meter and im gettin 12v everywere from  the battery, to starter magnetic switch etc... except for the ignition coil, condensor, and spark plug cables i only get from 2 to 7volts. When i kick start the bike i get a very very very small & barely visible spark and i do feel the electricity going thru my hand while kick startin and holding the meter into the spark plug cable. Now could my ignition coil be done with or condensor? I took the ignition coil to a local shop and the machanic stated that if you even get a 2v of power that the coil probably isnt bad and that its probably just build up at the cables ends to just cut the tips of the cables and replace the caps to connect to the spark plugs. But if im not getting enough voltage at the coil why would the cables be the issue? Maybe should replace magneto, condensor, and ignition coil? If so were can I find an aftermarket ignition coil thats compatible with mine. Or maybe timing is bad? Please any help would be appreciated.

[Fritz]

Hello,

don't replace your coil until you have measured it.

It's quite easy:
Unplug the black/white and blue wires of the coil and measure resistance between them. Make sure that the contacts are clean.
You should read about 5 ohms.
Next, measure between the spark plug caps. You should read about 10k ohms. If not, unscrew the caps and measure them. Should read not much more than 5k ohms. If they are all right, cut the ends of the spark wires about an inch and screw the caps back on.

Then go over the wires to the coil. See
http://www.cmsnl.com/classic-honda-fansite/honda_wiring_diagrams/CB200T.jpg

Unplug any connector between the coil and the right handlebar switch (black and white), clean and use dialectric grease on them. Follow the black and white cables all the way to the black wire in the main harness. Clean the connector. Clean the contacts at the ignition switch.

Even if your ignition coils turns out to be broken, you still need to make sure that all your connectors are clean before you replace it. Every corroded connection between the battery and the points will decrease your ignition system's performance.

Good luck!

[tbpmusic]

Your CB200 runs entirely off the battery, so the alternator is irrelevant in this problem.
The battery, in fact, is the FIRST thing you check on any of these old Hondas - if it doesn't have enough punch to use the electric start, you're chasing your tail until you get a good strong battery.

If you have 12 volts at the black/white wire to the coils (umplug the coils for a minute), with the key on and kill switch at "Run", then it's either coils, condensors, or points.

I replaced my CB200 coil with half of a SOHC 4 setup = one coil with two plug wires.
Off EBay, it cost about $25, was a stone cold bolt-up. With new plug caps, it gave me a BIG spark.

[Aztrobot7]

Thanks guys , i really appreciate the help...Well today I removed the coil and clean all points and connections with electric contact cleaner and cleaned anything that would be grounded to have the strongest possible ground. I then did the same to the condensor, ignition switch, and magneto cable  n socket...and all parts that are grounded. I also cleaned the boots with contact cleaner and cables ends. I also cut less then an inch off the cables and screwed the caps back on...and there she went started right up...only one problem. The cylinder on the left hand side is misfiring i belive because of a damaged cable. The cable was so frail that it cracked on its own and while the right side cable is very solid and was very easy to screw on. The left has a black sticky substance and does not allow me to screw it on and the cap isnt really staying on there strong enough and i think thats wats causing the misfire. Is there anyway of fixing that cable or replace it some how with out buying a new coil...Thanks again

[chickenman_26]

Buy 2 feet of wire core (non-resistor) spark plug cable from your local NAPA, and get two NGK plug wire splicers. Follow the instructions that come with the splicers, and your plug wires will be good as new.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002OPJUXW/ref=asc_df_B002OPJUXW1102390?tag=the004-20&creative=380333&creativeASIN=B002OPJUXW&linkCode=asn

[tbpmusic]

That black ooze  comes from inside the coil itself, it's seeping all the way down the plug wire.
The coil is trashed, replace it.

[Aztrobot7]

Where can I find a ignition coi?l Because i have literaly looked everywere. I dont know if maybe some from other years models are compatible or maybe and aftermarket one thats compatible. That would been even greater help, Thanks again guys appreciate it.

[Aztrobot7]

I have been to bike bandit and so many other sites searching with the exact part number and discontinued, and I have called every place locally and they all say its discontinued as well. I have found some used ones around from other honda cb models but I dont know if there are compatible with cb200t and or an aftermarket one. I would try and buy the non resistor wire core and the splicers but that black susbtstance is all over the inside of the cable and i dont think that it will even attach to the new cable and splicer.

[tbpmusic]

Stock CB200 coils are NLA from Honda.
Same part as a 175.

Like I said, I just got half of an aftermarket four-cylinder setup off EBay, bolted right up.
They may not always be on EBay, but they show up frequently.

The black ooze you see is actually the inner insulating compound from the coil. It migrates down the inner plug wire when it starts leaking out. Cut off as much of the plug wire as you want, the black ooze will reappear.
It's very common , these electrics were never designed to work for 40 years........

Your only option is to replace the coil with a NEW one.

[Aztrobot7]

Awesome thanks for your help...is there any way can you show me an example of what a half of a four cylinder setup looks like so can have a better idea of what im looking for?

[tbpmusic]

Awesome thanks for your help...is there any way can you show me an example of what a half of a four cylinder setup looks like so can have a better idea of what im looking for?

I didn't take any photos - really, it looked exactly like the old one, which was SWEET !!

I can link you to some photos of the finished bike though - http://home.comcast.net/~tbpmusic/id55.htm


Here's a new stock one on EBay ffor $50, includes new caps.....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/HONDA-CB175-CB200-12-VOLT-IGNITION-COIL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4aa0aa381bQQitemZ320523089947QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[Aztrobot7]

that looks like a deal to me..it is in indonesia so shipping is 2 to 3 weeks. If I cant find anything  better during this week ill definitely pick that up. Thanks again for all your help .