Topic: Please help!!!

[Yas001]

I need opinion and help for HONDA CM400E. I am fixing this bike for my friend. She explained that it was so hard to start before the bike quit working. I checked spark, but first couple crank, I see sparks couple times. When I keep cranking, spark would stop. Does someone know about this bike? It has CDI system. I know bit about SOHC4's old school ignition system, but i have no clue about CDI. If I need to replace CDI unit, and ignition coil, where can I get used one? Any kind of opinion, comment, or help will be appreciated.

Yas

[scunny]

I'm not familiar with the bike so lets generalise a bit.
when "cranking" is this kick or electric start
Is the battery fully charged
check the grounding points of the battery at frame and motor
are the pulsar(sender units where the points would be) loose
that will get you started until someone who knows what they are talking about chimes in.

[Yas001]

Thanks for prompt reply Scunny.
Starter is electric. Brand new battery with full charge. I checked all ground, but it seems good. When I push the starter switch, plugs get sparks a couple times. But, that's all... The plugs don't keep sparks to start the motor.

[johnny-from-bel]

First I do not know this bike, so I can only give general advice.

CDI gives a few sparks and then quits. Sounds like the bypass diode or the switching transistor that gives up when it gets a bit warm.
If the CDI is made from discrete components you can buy some freeze spray at an electronics shop and spray that on the components. It  will keep the components cool and the CDI should work longer. If that is the case you can replace the component but in most cases  CDI's are not reparable.

[dusterdude]

First I do not know this bike, so I can only give general advice.

CDI gives a few sparks and then quits. Sounds like the bypass diode or the switching transistor that gives up when it gets a bit warm.
If the CDI is made from discrete components you can buy some freeze spray at an electronics shop and spray that on the components. It  will keep the components cool and the CDI should work longer. If that is the case you can replace the component but in most cases  CDI's are not reparable.

excellent idea!!!

[tazzmann]

I had this exact same symptom on a 1980 KZ440LTD. I can almost guarantee that it is the CDI unit. I would replace it. Factory new ones are going to be EXPENSIVE, so I would look for a used on on e-bay or at a local motorcycle salvage yard.

[Yas001]

Is the CDI unit located right beside of the ignition coil? kind a black plastic box isn't it?