Intermittent ignition problem
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Intermittent ignition problem
Hey there everyone. I have a problem that I haven’t been able to solve, and I’m hoping that someone out there has had a similar issue.
Background: Bike is a 75 goldwing that I’ve rebuilt over the last 2 years. No real modifications, other than Harley exhaust. Bike was basically down to engine and frame a few months ago. Carbs cleaned and rebuilt, belts changed, brakes rebuilt, tank cleaned, electrical all hooked back up, timing cleaned and reset (split timing method), valves done, etc. Everything that needed to be done to get a bike going after 10+ years sitting.
I got the bike started and tuned quite nicely. It fired right up with minimal choke, idles nicely and drives like a champ. It’s actually surprising how fast it is for an old bike. I thought the speedometer was off when I was doing 80mph. Didn’t feel like at all close to that. I later confirmed that I was indeed pretty accurate. Yikes! Good thing I didn’t get a ticket!!
Here’s the problem: I’ll be driving along (highway speed, or around town, doesn’t really matter) and I’ll lose all ignition. Lights are still on, kill switch in the run position, but no power or spark. Sometimes it’s a second or two, others, I need to pull over and try to restart it. Sometimes it restarts right away, other times it takes 10 seconds before it will fire up (and all other electrics are functional), sometimes I need to let it sit 30 sec or more.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
- checked battery connections and all the connections for the electrics around the battery.
- checked the ground by the coils. It was in an obvious place, so cleaned and tightened.
- changed the regulator (took it from the parts bike I have.
- the kill switch was cleaned as part of my rebuild process, but hasn’t been checked since.
Intermittent problems are such a pain, and electrics are not my strong suit. I’m hoping someone has a direction or two for me to check. Thanks in advance guys!
Here’s what she looks like at the moment, in case anyone is wondering. Good ol naked Goldwing w flat bars and brat seat.
Background: Bike is a 75 goldwing that I’ve rebuilt over the last 2 years. No real modifications, other than Harley exhaust. Bike was basically down to engine and frame a few months ago. Carbs cleaned and rebuilt, belts changed, brakes rebuilt, tank cleaned, electrical all hooked back up, timing cleaned and reset (split timing method), valves done, etc. Everything that needed to be done to get a bike going after 10+ years sitting.
I got the bike started and tuned quite nicely. It fired right up with minimal choke, idles nicely and drives like a champ. It’s actually surprising how fast it is for an old bike. I thought the speedometer was off when I was doing 80mph. Didn’t feel like at all close to that. I later confirmed that I was indeed pretty accurate. Yikes! Good thing I didn’t get a ticket!!
Here’s the problem: I’ll be driving along (highway speed, or around town, doesn’t really matter) and I’ll lose all ignition. Lights are still on, kill switch in the run position, but no power or spark. Sometimes it’s a second or two, others, I need to pull over and try to restart it. Sometimes it restarts right away, other times it takes 10 seconds before it will fire up (and all other electrics are functional), sometimes I need to let it sit 30 sec or more.
Here’s what I’ve done so far:
- checked battery connections and all the connections for the electrics around the battery.
- checked the ground by the coils. It was in an obvious place, so cleaned and tightened.
- changed the regulator (took it from the parts bike I have.
- the kill switch was cleaned as part of my rebuild process, but hasn’t been checked since.
Intermittent problems are such a pain, and electrics are not my strong suit. I’m hoping someone has a direction or two for me to check. Thanks in advance guys!
Here’s what she looks like at the moment, in case anyone is wondering. Good ol naked Goldwing w flat bars and brat seat.
Carter
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
there is a possibility that the cover over the points is to tight, or the gasket is from time to time. not thick enough. Causing the cover to short out the points. Heat expansion causes the cover to expand, and touch the points. When it cools down a bit. it works. Easy to test. Try running without the points cover on
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I never would have thought of the points cover. I will try that!
Carter
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
- CYBORG
- Moderator
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I have not seen it to often, but could be, and is easy to check. If, as you say, everything else checks out,.....can't hurt
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
- ritalz
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I had a similar symptom a while back on my 75. Turned out to be the ignition switch connector was loose and would vibrate enough to break contact. Found that one by accident.
Al
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
2003 Goldwing Daily Rider
1975 Goldwing 'Max'
1984 Goldwing New Bagger Project
1976 Goldwing 'Grocery Getter' Sold
1985 Goldwing Interstate 'NCC-1985' sold
1981 Silverwing Sold
1982 Goldeing Project Sold
1981 Goldwing Parted Out
1983 Goldwing Project Sold
1973 CB500F Long Gone
1966 CL77 First Street Bike
http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery3/index.p ... ans/ritalz
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I had to replace a bad ignition switch for that. I could wiggle the key and it would come back. For a while...
- todd54219
- Gold Member
- Posts: 1002
- Joined: Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:00 pm
- Location: Overland Park, KS
Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I had an issue with a fuse. Mine would just shut down like yours. Sometimes restart. The last time it failed I had to push it about 1/2 mile. It checked out good in the fuse block. When I pulled it, it fell apart. For a few dollars, replace all of the fuses.
Good luck and let us know what you find
Todd
Good luck and let us know what you find
Todd
Todd54219 - Common sense is not so common anymore
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
1976 Yellow GL1000
1966 White Honda CA95 (Baby Dream) under restoration - Done and sold
- chewy999
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I've had a fuse do that, tested fine but the vibration when riding must have broken the circuit. When I took it out the end fell off. Changed all the fuses for a few £. Easy to miss, but easy to fix when found.todd54219 wrote:I had an issue with a fuse. Mine would just shut down like yours. Sometimes restart. The last time it failed I had to push it about 1/2 mile. It checked out good in the fuse block. When I pulled it, it fell apart. For a few dollars, replace all of the fuses.
Good luck and let us know what you find
Todd
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
- Sidecar Bob
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- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: Intermittent ignition problem
Yeah, if you are using the original "dogbone" main fuse it is highly recommended to replace it with an inline fuse holder and a modern blade type fuse so that you can get a replacement anywhere if you blow the fuse while away from home.
Also, how old are your condensers? I had a bike years ago that would do what you describe and once I replaced the condenser it stopped doing that.
Also, how old are your condensers? I had a bike years ago that would do what you describe and once I replaced the condenser it stopped doing that.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
Thanks for all the replies/ideas. I have a list of things to check now... I’ll check the kill switch connections in the wiring, the fuses (I’ve already replaced some, but not all), try the points cover, check the main fuse, and the condensers. I don’t know the age of the condensers, but I have a parts bike so I can swap out and test ride. I should have some time this weekend, so I’ll update here once I have a chance to!
Carter
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
1980 CB650 Custom
1975 GL1000 “F4B”
- robin1731
- Membership Admin
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
Flatlander80 wrote:Thanks for all the replies/ideas. I have a list of things to check now... I’ll check the kill switch connections in the wiring, the fuses (I’ve already replaced some, but not all), try the points cover, check the main fuse, and the condensers. I don’t know the age of the condensers, but I have a parts bike so I can swap out and test ride. I should have some time this weekend, so I’ll update here once I have a chance to!
New condensers don't cost that much. I hear people all the time that say change points but no need to change condensers. (Not saying anyone said that here) But when putting in new points you should always put in new condensers too. they will wear out. Cheap and easy to do.
Maybe try your used ones just to see if it makes a difference but I would put new ones in when you get the chance.
Since you still have power elsewhere when it dies I doubt it is the main fuse. Easy to check though and a good idea to update to a more modern blade type main fuse. I've seen original type main fuses look good but fall apart when you try to remove them.
.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
- Sidecar Bob
- Honored Life Member
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- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario
Re: Intermittent ignition problem
When you do replace the condensers with new, don't buy them from the Honda dealer. Generic condensers from a car parts place might need a bit more fiddling to mount the first time but the will cost a small fraction of buying what is essentially just 2 condensers in a mounting bracket. You might be able to find somewhere more convenient to mount them too.
Mr. Honda ('83 GL1100/Dnepr) summer How a motorcycle evolves thread
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
The Famous Eccles ('84 CX650EI/VeloUral) winter Never Ending Build (CX500forum)
Click: Colour schematics for all GL1000 & GL1100 and GL1200 standard models plus instructions on how to download the full size version
"A guy with two sidecars can't be all bad." - Cookie
Another guy with two sidecars..... Hmmmm... must be something to that....
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I think what Al was talking about above is the ignition switch multi-pin connector up in the triple underneath the ignition.
I've had it happen. the little plastic clippy clasp part that keeps it from being removed or dislodged without pressing the release part, broke off.
the connector pushes upwards into the receptacle.
it's kinda hard to get at though.
I've had it happen. the little plastic clippy clasp part that keeps it from being removed or dislodged without pressing the release part, broke off.
the connector pushes upwards into the receptacle.
it's kinda hard to get at though.
sorta bulldogged custom 1978 GL1000 - "geekster"
full Vetter dress 1979 GL1000 - "Barge" (currently down)
1986 1200 Aspencade - "Heart of Gold" - daily rider
1990 1500 Aspencade - It's ALIVE! but very, very naked. not in a good way.
1978 for $100 - project in worx
1978 from a previous member here - taking up space
my original '79 bought in '91 - replacing engine (eventually, maybe someday)
H2G2=42
A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity. ~ Robert A. Heinlein
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
full Vetter dress 1979 GL1000 - "Barge" (currently down)
1986 1200 Aspencade - "Heart of Gold" - daily rider
1990 1500 Aspencade - It's ALIVE! but very, very naked. not in a good way.
1978 for $100 - project in worx
1978 from a previous member here - taking up space
my original '79 bought in '91 - replacing engine (eventually, maybe someday)
H2G2=42
A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity. ~ Robert A. Heinlein
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it. ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
If you suspect a condenser may be involved, please be aware that particular ignition component's mounting bracket must be sufficently grounded to its mounting surface to work as it is designed to.
Read this article from Randakk's GL1000 tech blog.
http://www.randakksblog.com/gl1000-cond ... /#more-610
Also, whether your ignition utilizes the original breaker points set-up or otherwise, a low resistance grounding of the baseplate onto the engine mounting surface is of great importance, as well.
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to find SIMILAR TOPICS.
Read this article from Randakk's GL1000 tech blog.
http://www.randakksblog.com/gl1000-cond ... /#more-610
Also, whether your ignition utilizes the original breaker points set-up or otherwise, a low resistance grounding of the baseplate onto the engine mounting surface is of great importance, as well.
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to find SIMILAR TOPICS.
Cliff (74yrs )
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
Keep your eyes and ears open and you'll learn something new, everyday.
New users please visit our "Shop Talk" for common tips and help: <---jdvorchak
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/page/ST
^^^^^^^click up here^^^^^
RE: a thorough fuel tank cleaning
"And your carbs will thank you. They no longer live down stream from a sewage plant." -gregforesi
"Can't see the paint when your looking thru the handlebars..........." -Oldewing
"I'd rather Ride than Shine" -RAT Me Too!!
Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM https://nakedgoldwingsclub.com/forum/page/Welcome
previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- desertrefugee
- SUPER BIKER!!!!
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Re: Intermittent ignition problem
I would not expect a condenser to fail in such a way that it's intermittent. It's a capacitor. They either work or they don't. Most fail in a shorted state - in which case you'd have dead ignition. I don't think I've ever seen a truly intermittent capacitor. The +12V primary ignition feed (Black/White) is definitely suspect. As noted, it feeds through the Ignition Switch, but also routes through the START/STOP switch and the ballast resistor on its way to the both coils. I once had a flaky spade connector on a ballast resistor that caused me some ignition grief. You could hot wire it for a short ride to see how it performs. If it's better, obviously there are issues with that line.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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