Test coil
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- KSmith
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- Location: California
Re: Test coil
I finally had time to install the new coils. Still the cylinder 3 & 4 are not firing. I measured the the blue/yellow and the yellow wires with a volt meter at the connection point to the Dyna electronic ignition. blue /yellow read 11.9 volts and the yellow read 3.8 volts. How do you test the Dyna to insure it is working correctly?
Any thoughts?
Ciao
Ken
Any thoughts?
Ciao
Ken
Build it for function and design will follow
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5342
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: Test coil
You can access Dynatek documents here:KSmith wrote: ↑Sun Jul 27, 2025 1:07 pm I finally had time to install the new coils. Still the cylinder 3 & 4 are not firing. I measured the the blue/yellow and the yellow wires with a volt meter at the connection point to the Dyna electronic ignition. blue /yellow read 11.9 volts and the yellow read 3.8 volts. How do you test the Dyna to insure it is working correctly?
Any thoughts?
Ciao
Ken
https://ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=78099
Read, understand and follow this, first . Watch this post's attached dynamic Dyna modules test video, too.
viewtopic.php?p=806163#p806163
IF the Dyna S(?) is discovered to be faulty, Cedric has another document to address that problem, as well

Main point there, you will find this considerably less expensive DynaS clone listed on ebay. search DS1-3 ...its less than $50 . Lots of sellers to pick from

viewtopic.php?t=77231
Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
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- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: Test coil
Let’s start with Ohm testing is pretty much worthless.
I can’t tell you how many components I have ohm tested over the years that test good but are defective.
The only way to truly test a circuit is under load.
Your voltmeter is a much better tool than the ohm meter.
But really for testing a problem like this you need a spark tester and a 12 V test light.
First question I have have you tested for spark, using a spark tester? Not a spark plug with a questionable ground, laying on the engine.
If there’s no spark, the next test would be is the 12 V power supply to the suspected coil good. And the only way that can truly be tested is with the engine cranking or running.
If you have a proper voltage supply to the coil while cranking/running. the next step is hooking up a 12 V test light to ground and to the negative side of the coil.
As you’re cranking the engine or running the engine that light should flash on and off as it triggers the coil.
I can’t tell you how many components I have ohm tested over the years that test good but are defective.
The only way to truly test a circuit is under load.
Your voltmeter is a much better tool than the ohm meter.
But really for testing a problem like this you need a spark tester and a 12 V test light.
First question I have have you tested for spark, using a spark tester? Not a spark plug with a questionable ground, laying on the engine.
If there’s no spark, the next test would be is the 12 V power supply to the suspected coil good. And the only way that can truly be tested is with the engine cranking or running.
If you have a proper voltage supply to the coil while cranking/running. the next step is hooking up a 12 V test light to ground and to the negative side of the coil.
As you’re cranking the engine or running the engine that light should flash on and off as it triggers the coil.
- KSmith
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:15 am
- My Album: https://picasaweb.google.com/1022195423 ... daGoldwing
- Location: California
Re: Test coil
Yes there is 11 volts to the black and white power wires.
The blue wire under the umbrella is constantly on when cranking.
The yellow wire under the umbrella was flashing when cranking.
With the Key on and the with the Dyna unplugged both blue and yellow read 11.3 volts.
Note the engine idles smoothly on just the 2 cylinders
The blue wire under the umbrella is constantly on when cranking.
The yellow wire under the umbrella was flashing when cranking.
With the Key on and the with the Dyna unplugged both blue and yellow read 11.3 volts.
Note the engine idles smoothly on just the 2 cylinders
Build it for function and design will follow
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
-
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 383
- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: Test coil
Sounds like the ignition isn’t grounding that coil.
It should pulse like the other wire when cranking.
Were does that wire come from?
Go there and test.
It should pulse like the other wire when cranking.
Were does that wire come from?
Go there and test.
- KSmith
- Zinc Member
- Posts: 36
- Joined: Tue Jan 01, 2013 12:15 am
- My Album: https://picasaweb.google.com/1022195423 ... daGoldwing
- Location: California
Re: Test coil
From the new coils I installed.
Build it for function and design will follow
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
'75 GL1000
81 Honda 70 Pass Port
06 Triumph Speed Master
-
- Titanium Member
- Posts: 383
- Joined: Fri Jun 12, 2015 8:11 pm
- Location: Bellingham wa.
Re: Test coil
That wire comes from the pick up coil mounted where the points used to be.
I would check the splice connector on the white green to red. If It’s a scotch lock replace it with a proper heat shrink butt connector. Properly crimped with a pair of good high-quality crimping tools. Not a pair of pliers.
Or soldering
Length of schematic, my guess would be you’ve got a bad pick up coil or bad wiring to the pick up coil, or from the pick up coil. There could be an open in that wire between the pick up coil and the ignition coil.
So as I said, my next step would be go check that wire at the source, the pick up coil
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- gltriker
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: Test coil
KSmith wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:10 pm I put the coils back in, installed the new spark plug caps and started up the engine. Again cylinders 3 and 4 were not firing.
I believe it must be the coil. I have an additional question. When I rebuilt the GL in 2012 I put in a Dyna ignition and never had any issues!
The 13 years since installed Dyna S ignition assembly has apparently lost the ability to perform electrically switching the primary ignition ground path on-and-off in the left side (cyls. 3 and 4 ) Dyna module.KSmith wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 5:59 pm Yes there is 11 volts to the black and white power wires.
The blue wire under the umbrella is constantly on when cranking.
The yellow wire under the umbrella was flashing when cranking.
With the Key on and the with the Dyna unplugged both blue and yellow read 11.3 volts.
Note the engine idles smoothly on just the 2 cylinders
For less than $50 you can replace the original Dynatek ignition with a very similar appearing far east clone. I have read the DS1-3 clone is reliable for purpose.
viewtopic.php?t=77231
The DS1-3 clone is an exact installed procedure to replace an original Dynatek Dyna S . take Nike's advice... Just Do It !cfairweather wrote: ↑Mon Oct 02, 2023 6:58 pm I have installed several of these and have had success with each one.

Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5342
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Re: Moving on to testing a DYNA S ignition system with pictures, too! page 1
hang on, here we goDUGG wrote: ↑Tue Jul 29, 2025 3:03 pm snip-
If you have a proper positive voltage supply to the coil while cranking/running. the next step is hooking up a 12 V test light to ground and to the negative side of the coil.
As you’re cranking the engine or running the engine that light should flash on and off as it triggers the coil.

Ken and I, first time, had a telephone conversation back in mid-June about my method to dynamically test for both individual Dyna S module's operational integrity with a low watts 12v test probe light.
I offered up this tried-and-true method, but although I had questioned whether +12volts dc was available at both unplugged double socket female terminals under the rubber umbrella, I hadn't considered that should have been included in the attached post I composed in March, 2022 because that bike's problematic engine was running on all 4 cylinders, until there was, a "Sudden loss of power".
https://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic ... 63#p806163
Clearly, from many years of practical troubleshooting experience, DUGG recognized the probable fault was in the negative ( ground ) side of the primary ignition circuit.
For the next round of off-Forum troubleshooting, Ken and I 'conversed' via email, only.
I've got photos Ken and I shared Thursday afternoon via multiple email conversations, which helped Ken prove out the left side Dyna S module was indeed no longer dynamically switching the ground path to the left side ignition coil, on-and-off for cylinders 3 and 4.
Friday afternoon, Ken and I agreed we should share our 'conversational' ignition troubleshooting adventure, of sorts.
to be continued --
Last edited by gltriker on Sat Aug 02, 2025 11:09 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5342
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Moving on to testing a DYNA S ignition system with pictures, too! page 2
I had contacted Ken Wednesday evening with an NGW Club private message
Recipient: KSmith
Ken-
I read the conversation you and DUGG were having on the public Forum.
You read, understood and followed the path to discovery information, well.
Don't fuss around with the 13years old Dyna S ignition assembly any further.
I very much need to see a photo of the affected Dyna S ignition assembly still installed on the engine, then when entirely removed from the engine.
Ken sent the next 3 photos-(not yet embellished by me)-to my email . (I got busy working them over with 'Paint', Friday night) Of course, the ground path integrity must be mechanically clean.
No corrosion where the Dyna S baseplate is mounted is more critical to the ground path switching responsibilities the Dyna modules perform, compared to good old breaker points operational simplicity.
I had partially disassembled an almost new Dyna S ignition assembly several years ago. I have exceeded the photo file post limit
to be continued
Recipient: KSmith
Ken-
I read the conversation you and DUGG were having on the public Forum.
You read, understood and followed the path to discovery information, well.
Don't fuss around with the 13years old Dyna S ignition assembly any further.
I very much need to see a photo of the affected Dyna S ignition assembly still installed on the engine, then when entirely removed from the engine.
Ken sent the next 3 photos-(not yet embellished by me)-to my email . (I got busy working them over with 'Paint', Friday night) Of course, the ground path integrity must be mechanically clean.
No corrosion where the Dyna S baseplate is mounted is more critical to the ground path switching responsibilities the Dyna modules perform, compared to good old breaker points operational simplicity.
I had partially disassembled an almost new Dyna S ignition assembly several years ago. I have exceeded the photo file post limit
to be continued
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by gltriker on Sat Aug 02, 2025 11:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5342
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Moving on to testing a DYNA S ignition system with pictures, too! page 3
I unbolted the two modules off the baseplate to see what the underside of a new Dyna S module looked like. Note the small spot of dried 'paste' where both modules contacted the baseplate.red wire -typically scotch-locked to the positive turn signal supply green/white wire. That's all it does.
Of course, the ground path integrity must be mechanically clean where the Dyna S baseplate is fastened to the engine, then continuing through contact surfaces where both Dyna modules are fastened to the Dyna S baseplate.
No corrosion where the Dyna S baseplate is mounted is more critical to the ground path switching responsibilities the Dyna modules perform, compared to good old breaker points operational simplicity.
AND the Dyna S rotor to be continued
photos of both modules' underside.
Although, I (we) can't see inside the modules, I understand the primary ground path switching circuitry inside both modules is powered up by the Of course, the ground path integrity must be mechanically clean where the Dyna S baseplate is fastened to the engine, then continuing through contact surfaces where both Dyna modules are fastened to the Dyna S baseplate.
No corrosion where the Dyna S baseplate is mounted is more critical to the ground path switching responsibilities the Dyna modules perform, compared to good old breaker points operational simplicity.
AND the Dyna S rotor to be continued
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Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.
- gltriker
- Honored Life Member
- Posts: 5342
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:11 pm
- Location: central NY State
Moving on to testing a DYNA S ignition system with pictures, too! It's a wrap?
At some point as our forensic investigation was continuing, Ken inquired should he remove both Dyna modules from their baseplate, too.
Enthusiastically, YES. I had always wondered if corrosion hidden under a module, where it is clamped against its grounded baseplate might cause a Dyna S module to become inoperative.
Here's what Ken uncovered.
I directed my friend to scrape the white film off the cyls 3 and 4 module and the adjacent baseplate surfaces and reassemble the Dyna S ignition assembly.
Ken reinstalled the Dyna S assembly onto the engine, then dynamically tested both modules functionality with his testing light.
No change...cylinders 3 and 4 ignition coil can't function with a retired Dyna module.
Ken has since ordered a clone DS1-3 to replace the 13 yrs old Dyna S

Enthusiastically, YES. I had always wondered if corrosion hidden under a module, where it is clamped against its grounded baseplate might cause a Dyna S module to become inoperative.
Here's what Ken uncovered.
I directed my friend to scrape the white film off the cyls 3 and 4 module and the adjacent baseplate surfaces and reassemble the Dyna S ignition assembly.
Ken reinstalled the Dyna S assembly onto the engine, then dynamically tested both modules functionality with his testing light.
No change...cylinders 3 and 4 ignition coil can't function with a retired Dyna module.
Ken has since ordered a clone DS1-3 to replace the 13 yrs old Dyna S

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Cliff
)
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

Cliff
'75 GL1000 home built trike; http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39996
October,2017 BOTM

previous rides:
1953 H-D Servi-car, naked, 1969-1978 (serial#53G1559 committed to memory!)
1980 CB900 Custom (triked) 1997-2003 .... R.I.P.