No Spark on 1982 XJ550

Hey Guys,

I couldn't get my bike to start even though it is turning over and I cannot get a spark. I looked at the fuses, checked for wire damage, checked the spark plugs, and replaced the CDI. I'm not sure what to do.

 

Check the battery voltage at rest and when cranking.
You may be surprised that it is an easy fix.

 

I always suggest trying to jump it with a good car battery. If it starts then you have a battery problem. If no, then it's probably something else.

 

Thank you for the suggestions. I checked the voltage of the battery and it was between 12 and 13 and I tried jumping it. Do you guys have any other suggestions?

 

One of the guys that really know the electrical system will chime in and tell you how to trace it. Electrical issues are tough but these guys seem to know how to fix just about anything.

 

If you can find it, try removing the wires for the kick stand safety mechanism and remove them. They might be engaged like mine for causing a no spark issue.

If you have a multi meter check to see if your ignition coils are getting power if they are this might be your issue.

 

start by ohming out the ignition system.
ignition coils primary leads
sparkplug wires
sparkplug caps
sparkplugs.

when you reinstall the spark plug caps trim about 3/8 inch off the end

ohm out pickup coils which is done at the tci connector gray wire to black wire , then orange wire to black wire,

specs
Pick-up coils:
650 ohms +/- 20% = 520 ohms to 780 ohms acceptable range


Ignition Coils:

Primary side (input from main wiring harness):
2.5 ohms +/- 10% = 2.25 ohms - 2.75 ohms acceptable range

Secondary side (spark plug wires, without their end caps):
11K ohms +/- 20% = 8,800 ohms - 13,200 ohms acceptable range


Spark plug caps:
10K +/- 20% = 8,000 to 12,000 ohms per cap acceptable range

Spark plugs:
0 ohms per plug

 

if you still have glass fuses you may want to upgrade to blade fuses
remove the fuse to check if the ends fall off.

next you want to chase the voltage
key on 12 volts both sides of fuse clips.
test voltage at red/white wire on tci
test voltage on ignition coils both wires at the connector under the tank

when you disconnect any connectors clean them with electric spray cleaner and apply dielectric grease. Use this grease on spark plug wires when you reinstall the caps.

the battery voltage test is measure the battery before turning on key . step 2 is check voltage as the starter is cranking this voltage must stay above 9.8 volts .

your voltage numbers sounded high at 12 to 13 volts

let us know what you get for numbers.

also are the spark plugs new?

 

Voltage at 12-13 sounds fine. What does it drop to when you engage the starter, though?

 

did you ohm out the ignition system yet ?what did you get for numbers.

after you check the voltage drop when using starter button , if you want I will test your tci for you in my bike.
start a conversation with me just pay postage both ways

 

Hey Guys,

Thank you so much for the information! I have not had a chance to dig deeper into it yet but I will let you guys know what I find out. Thank you!