1983 Z1300 A5 with Sidecar

IC Igniter

I've just tested the IC Igniter according to the service manual (on page number 361 or PDF page number 376) and it fails the tests. Does anyone know if this test is definitive in diagnosing a faulty igniter. The bike is in pieces at the moment and I an waiting on parts so I can't test on the bike. If the unit is faulty would I create further damage to that part of the system if I installed it for testing purposes. I realise that if it is frazzled its going to cost me big time so I really want to be sure about it.

Kawboy wrote: Just being the Devil's advocate here, are you sure your Ohm meter is correct? Do you have a known 2 Ohm resistor you can check your meter against. Some of the less expensive meters could be off by .5 ohms easily. The difference between what you have and the target resistance range is only .5 ohms so I'd hate for you to go through and remove the ballast and then fry your ignitor.

We used to have a member on this site going by "Trikebldr" and he wrote the beginnings of a post about the infamous ballast resistor and why it's there. He seemed to be adamant about leaving it there to protect the ignitor. Haven't heard from him in a long time. Too bad, he was worth a wealth of knowledge.

Hey Kawboy... I have been in contact with trikebldr (Bruce) this weekend ..... He has been off line for awhile.....but I'm thinking he may be back on here soon...............Tony

Carbies before clean



Carbies after clean



New carbie Kits were installed on all three with viton o-rings
3 New ignition coils
IC ignitor sent to Carmo Electronics for testing. Tested OK.
Stator tested ok on multimeter so will persist with this one until I get the bike going
New Tacho Cable
Fuel Tank Cleaned
Iridium Spark Plugs are waiting to be installed
K&N air filter ready to be installed
New solenoid installed
New starter motor
Cleaned up faulty wiring

The carbies are back on the bike although I still have some sorting out to do as she is kicking over but won't start. The problem with the starter solenoid getting hot is not an issue now and the motor turns easily.

Update
I have removed the carbies from bike and stripped them down twice since my last post and I'm aware there are a few other members who have had the same fun and experience. Most would know from my other posts that I have had problems getting the bike to start, then idle. The problem turned out to be the novice mechanic who connected the wires onto the ignition coils primary connection incorrectly, so the firing order was all out. To my credit I did manage to get one right :whistle: (ignition coil connection)so when the bike started it was always only firing on 1 and 6 cylinders. Amazingly it sounded ok even with just the 2 cylinders firing. That being said, it has been a long time since I heard the bike firing at all. I swapped the HT leads around for a quick test and 'voila' all cylinders seemed to be up and running. Tomorrow I will change the primary winding connections and do a full test with the 'Colortune' and make absolutely sure. If all works out then I will be able to synchronize the carbies which will be another first for me.

Next I will change the final gear case oil, install a new regulator/rectifier when it arrives, advanced timing, install nice clean fuel tank and hopefully then I will be taking her for an extended outing. Later I will look at the valve clearances and re-shim if necessary.

Good to see you getting there. If your extended ride brings you up this way there is always a billy boiling here.

Thanks Rick, appreciate that mate. I do get up to Kyogle once in a while and not far from you I see. Our first extended (7 years ago) ride was up to Kyogle via the Pacific Hwy and then we returned through Tenterfield and down Thunderbolts way. We were three up and towing a trailer behind the Z1300. The trip from Casino to Tenterfield was the most fun, there's a fair bit of winding road, up hill and down dale and I fondly remember overtaking cars on the up hill winding roads :woohoo: much to their surprise. My son and wife would take turns in the sidecar although we found out really quickly that more than an hour as a pillion passenger saw my son off to sleep and proved a bit risky, so it was back into the sidecar with him!