1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Spark testing

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by DJCougar, Apr 8, 2008.

  1. DJCougar

    DJCougar New Member

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, Ca
    Hello all, I have a recently acquired 81 xj650

    What is the easiest way to test if the bike is getting a spark to each plug?

    A way to test each coil?

    Start button is also not responding

    I have a 12v car battery as a test source so i know the battery is good

    Thanks!
     
    DJCougar, Apr 8, 2008
    #1
  2. ArizonaSteve

    ArizonaSteve Member

    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    You can get a spark tester at the auto parts store or just connect an extra plug to each spark plug wire one at a time and lay it on the engine and watch it while you turn the engine over to see if it's sparking. You test the coils with an ohmmeter following the directions in the manual. Be sure and also check the plug caps since the resistors in them sometimes go bad. You may have a badly corroded or broken fuse holder keeping if from starting so I would check and repair that first.
     
    ArizonaSteve, Apr 8, 2008
    #2
  3. DJCougar

    DJCougar New Member

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, Ca
    Do I hold the plug boot/spark plug against the engine or just lay it down
    dont want to go shocking myself
    Thanks
     
    DJCougar, Apr 8, 2008
    #3
  4. acergremlin

    acergremlin Member

    Messages:
    144
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    NE UK
    i would just lay it down or your liable to start break dancing
     
    acergremlin, Apr 8, 2008
    #4
  5. DJCougar

    DJCougar New Member

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, Ca
    great...if there is no spark from any plug what could be the culprit?
    thanks
     
    DJCougar, Apr 8, 2008
    #5
  6. acergremlin

    acergremlin Member

    Messages:
    144
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    NE UK
    if all 4 are off i would suspect the TCI or the wiring from it
     
    acergremlin, Apr 8, 2008
    #6
  7. DJCougar

    DJCougar New Member

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, Ca
    Any way to test the tci without buying a replacement?
     
    DJCougar, Apr 8, 2008
    #7
  8. Robert

    Robert Active Member

    Messages:
    7,479
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Ventura CA
    Not really. I have a spare and can possibly swing by this weekend. Check your mail box, you have a PM.
     
    Robert, Apr 9, 2008
    #8
  9. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    19
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Granite Falls, WA
    This may be too late in coming, but someone else will find it useful:

    [​IMG]

    How to check for spark.
     
    Gamuru, Apr 9, 2008
    #9
  10. ArizonaSteve

    ArizonaSteve Member

    Messages:
    678
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    An actual spark tester is safer and easier to see.
     
    ArizonaSteve, Apr 9, 2008
    #10
  11. crewwolfy

    crewwolfy Member

    Messages:
    262
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Chicago, IL, USA
    I had no problem testing by holding the spark plug boot. It's insulation designed to prevent electrical shock. Shouldn't be a problem, wasn't for me.
     
    crewwolfy, Apr 9, 2008
    #11
  12. DJCougar

    DJCougar New Member

    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Redondo Beach, Ca
    yep...no spark anywhere!
     
    DJCougar, Apr 9, 2008
    #12
  13. yamahamaxim85

    yamahamaxim85 Member

    Messages:
    112
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    england
    just put the plug in the ht lead,rest it on the enjine,and turn the bike over,it will spark,if not bad contact,its done it to all my bikes,so far.
     
    yamahamaxim85, Apr 9, 2008
    #13

Share This Page