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Ignition Coil testing

Started by Gouldie · 3 replies · 3349 views

GouldieStandard MemberPosts: 6
Joined: May 2015
Ignition Coil testing
I am restoring a 1970 ST70. (6 volt) The engine has not run for many years. I have it all together and find I have nil spark although I can feel a zap when I hold onto spark plug lead and kick her over, so all wiring is intact. Just not generating enough volts to throw a spark.
I am wondering about the condenser and also the coil. The coil primary winding resistance is only 2 ohms. Does anyone know correct primary coil resistance?
I do not have a battery installed yet but suspect that wont help the ignition side of the bike.
Graham OStandard MemberPosts: 54
Joined: Feb 2012
Re: Ignition Coil testing
In my original Honda st70 shop manual it states , primary coil: Resistance between primary black lead and case should be approximately 2.3~2.1 ohms. secondary coil: Resistance between high tension lead and ground should be approximately 9~11 ohms.
Hope this helps Graham
GouldieStandard MemberPosts: 6
Joined: May 2015
Re: Ignition Coil testing
Thanks Graham, I had read a post where they suggested a primary res of 9-11 ohms, so I ordered a new coil.
Mine measures 2.1ohms on the primary and 9K ohms on the secondary to gnd. I suspect the manual figure of 9-11 on the secondary is way too low. They missed the "K". Mmmmmm, after your reply i suspect my coil may be fine after all. I am rebuilding a bike that has not run for many years. The motor is mint with points etc perfect, but I have no spark. Thanks again, I had better take another look at condenser and earths.
GouldieStandard MemberPosts: 6
Joined: May 2015
Re: Ignition Coil testing
Thought I had better complete the story. My new coil arrived and yep primary resistance was close to 2.1 ohms, and with it installed I still had no spark.
In frustration I removed the flywheel again. Measured resistance accross the points. A couple of Ohms, what the???? Previously I had carefully given the perfect looking points a clean with a points file. This time I folded a small piece of 240 wet and dry sandpaper, opened the points and let them close on the folded paper and cleaned the points a few wipes, then cleaned with rag.
Flywheel back on and Bingo, a huge fat spark. Re-fitted my original condenser and my original coil and still have a good spark.
It seems, even though my points looked mint, there must have been a minute bit of crap on them, enough to cause no spark.
I hope this helps someone, sometime. Dave in New Zealand

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