New to me 86 fj1200 no spark.

[Nomar85]

Hey, guys. I just picked up a 86 fj1200 for $300 a few days ago that has been sitting for 8 years. I've done all the normal things to get an older bike going. New battery, spark plugs, cleaned the carbs, oil change. Bled the rear brakes and clutch. But, I'm having a problem with getting the thing to spark. Im getting 10 volts to the coils. The cdi box looks like water got into it, cause theres some rust inside the box. But im not sure whst to check next. And I need a new front brake lever assembly, as the old one was rusted solid. Any info on what to check would be greatly appreciated. I've been a mechanic most of my life,so I'm not afraid to tear into anything. Lol. Thanks ahead of time.

[movenon]

I can throw some things out to check. The TCI gets its firing signal from the pickups (left engine, side cover with 4 bolts, with the word Yamaha on it). The pick ups (early models had  2 and later they changed to one pick up)  The pick up resistance for each coil should read 120 ohms +- 10%. Check all the connectors.

Primary coil resistance 2.7 ohms +-10%
Secondary coil resistance 12 K +-20%
Plug caps 10K +-10%

For info the wires are solid wire core, I think 7mm.
The caps are resistive.
Also the wires will unscrew/twist off the coils but be gentle. You can work them out if you have to.

Its just information that might help eliminate things before you try or replace the TCI unit.
George

[movenon]

Just a thought you might hook an old fashioned timing light up to number 1 plug wire and with the timing cover off on the left side, crank it over and see if you get a light and if so that it fires on the mark?
George

[Nomar85]

OK. I'll get my multimeter out and check the coils and connections out in a bit.

I have held the spark plug in my hand while cranking and I didn't feel anything. I should've shocked the crap outta me. Haha

[FJmonkey]

OK. I'll get my multimeter out and check the coils and connections out in a bit.

I have held the spark plug in my hand while cranking and I didn't feel anything. I should've shocked the crap outta me. Haha

I guess we now know he likes to punish himself... 

[Pat Conlon]

I have held the spark plug in my hand while cranking and I didn't feel anything. I should've shocked the crap outta me.....

Hey Ramon, we can tell you are new to FJ's. You won't feel anything holding on to the spark plug. The FJ uses a special low impedance ignition so it's hard sense any micro voltage with your hands...in fact it's almost impossible.

We have what we call the testicle test we use on the low impedience ignition. Clip one of the spark leads to your left or right testicle and see if you can feel any of the special low impedience micro current.
It is best to perform this test with your garage door closed.

[Steve_in_Florida]

Hey Ramon, we can tell you are new to FJ's...

...Clip one of the spark leads to your left or right testicle...

Pat,
What if we NEVER hear from this guy, ever again?

His death is on _YOUR_ conscience, Buddy!



Hmmm, I wonder how the media would "paint" the event?

Steve

[FJmonkey]

I don't see death as the real result, unless he is standing on a ladder over a pit of spikes. But he might choose death considering the charged event.... 

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

It worked! But now I'm a soprano.
Thanks Paaaaaat

[Nomar85]

Ha! That's a good one. I'll have to use it someday. As I was getting ready to test the spark my "buddy" thought it would be a good idea to his the start button. Luckily there was no spark.  OK, so I have went thru all the connections with contact cleaner and tested them with my multi meter. Everything s testing out good. I'm starting to think its my tci box.

[Pat Conlon]

The FJ ignition is simple.
The 12v power to your TCI runs through your right handlebar on/off switch. Check this circuit.
Check the ohm resistance of the wires to your pick up coils and the coil windings (at the plug on the TCI) Should be 149-182 ohms at 68*F.
Check the continuity of the signal out from your TCI to your coils. Check the 12v power circuit to your coils, inc. the ground.

Hope this helps.

[Urban_Legend]

You said you put new plugs in.....Just try the old ones in again. When I was trying to get my FJ going i went to the bike shop and asked for FJ plugs without looking at the ones in the bike. Turned out they were in a different heat range. I put the old plugs in and she started first go.

[Urban_Legend]

Hey Ramon.....haven't heard anything in a bit......Did you get some life into the bike. Cause? Remedy?

Mark