tci box alternatives?

Has any one ever tried taking a black box from one yamaha and putting it in a different model? I can't find an IC box for my xj900 so I was thinking of trying one from an FJ600. It has the same instument cluster and a few other similar parts. Thanks for any info.

 

The biggest problem with interchanging ignitor boxes is the fact that the timing advance curves are different between various bike models. Yes, it might start and idle, and sorta run, but your power band will change, and you might run into other problems like pre-ignition (spark knock).

 

Do you still have your old TCI?
If your inclined, Open it up and see if you have any bad/cold solder joints and re-solder them.

If not, I'd look into getting it reconditioned.

They are a little pricey New or Used as they are rare.

I used David Denowh for an old virago TCI a few years back.
He has alot of good info on his page:
David Denowh

 

Thanks for the info, I wish I had known about that reconditioning service before I tried to fix the unit myself! I think my de-soldering and re-soldering made it worse, and I chipped the board trying to get it out of the plastic box!

 

Wonder if I ought to hang out a shingle for reconditioning XJ TCI's...
I've reconditioned one 900 unit from RedCentre but no word on how well that went...no feedback yet.
If your unit isn't sealed, I can recondition it. This means replacing all of the electrolytic capacitors and testing of all of the transistors and FET's on the board (I found a bad output switching transistor on Red's box). You cover parts and shipping.

 

I re-sealed the circuit board before I put it back in, I also cleaned the board off when I took it apart with acetone (per xj CD instuctions) and all the plastic covers on the condensers came off. Not sure if you can do anything with this thing but I could send it to you. Email me. Thanks!

 

I would have to see if I kept any notes on that 900 I did. I know I did diagram the caps but I'll have to see if I didn't chuck the paper (let's hope it is on the computer at home).

 

I found a couple for sale in Europe, I'll try and get one for a some what reasonable price. and hope they still work... :wink:

 

If you score a good one, jot down the specs and diagram then we can move forward on fixing your old ones.