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Scratching Head: What to check next?

2.1K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Yendor  
#1 ·
71 CB350.

I think I have couple problems going on here at once and was hoping someone could help me get closer to a diagnosis. The bike has been fine all spring.

About two weeks ago I rode it on a cool day and It was running rough and gave me its first ever backfire. This problem went away the next day and I chalked it up to crankiness.

About a week or so ago Im riding along at 50 mph and the bike started to loose power for a couple seconds, then it came back and off an on like this for a mile and then quit running and never started again.

It had done this before but never quit all together. I suspected ignition coils. Got the old ones off and one had wax coming out so wether or not that was the culprit they needed to be replaced. Also replaced the wires. Replaced the coils with these
Universal 12 Volt Ignition Coil | Motorcycle Ignitio Coil

Seemed to work fine. Bike started and ran and I called it a night.
The next day she started really running bad. Wouldn't stay running the left side is burping with occasional back fire. After several attempts to keep her running over a few days it decided to not even start any more.

First I checked the coils with a multimeter and they were 3.5ohm and 5,2ohm. Then I checked the plugs, they were wet and getting a spark. I have fuel in the lines going to the carbs and thats all I know.

What should I check next.
 
#3 ·
Double check your point adjustment has not slipped, which would cause a significant change in timing.

Wax coming out of the coils is never a good sign. Did you leave the key "ON" without turning the KILL Switch to "OFF" . I
f you do or did you can burn out the coils in a very short time.
 
#4 ·
Both +terminals are getting about 9.5plus Volts. Both coils checked out good at 5.6 and 5.9 on the primary and 10 on the secondary. (side note: is the range supposed to be 3-5? Is it bad that I am above 5 ohms? I actually got it to start for a minute today and realized the right side is not running. After this initial start it wouldn't start again and backfired when I was trying to start it. Pulled the tank off and the right coil was warm and the left wasn't? Swapped the wires between the two and checked the voltage again and it still looked fine. Stumped. Thanks for your help.
 
#5 ·
9.5 volts is not enough for these bikes. They have a battery dependent ignition system. 12.5 is the min.

most people who have replaced coils have gone with this one.

Universal Single & Twin 12 Volt Ignition Coil | Motorcycle Ignitio Coil

Here's a pic of how to mount it.

For these coils the YELLOW is the HOT Side and connects to the Black/White wires. You will need to make a "Y" connector for the Black Wire for each as the Point Lead and Condenser both need to connect to it.
 

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