• Don't overlook our Welcome Package, it contains many links to important and helpful information about functions at VHT like posting pictures and sending PMs (private messages), as well as finding the parts you need.

    AD

1981 CM200T Twinstar no spark

Toppgunnz

Toppgunnz

New Member
Joined
Aug 20, 2023
Total Posts
5
Total likes
0
Location
Thorntown, IN, USA
I brought this home knowing only that it was complete, it had good compression, shifted, throttle operated, and had been stored inside. However, it was missing the CDI so I had no idea if it had spark.
I purchased a CDI and plugged it in, but no spark. The spark generator assembly was clean and appeared to be in good shape (first generation without points). I cleaned and reattached all the connections, and started troubleshooting. I didn't find any grounding issues, and it has spark at the wire going to the coil, but no spark at the end of the spark plug wire (spark plug boot removed). I couldn't find any gap settings for the spark assembly, but I cleaned it and set it at .014. I replaced the coil with an OEM coil off Ebay, but same thing and no spark.
I got a new key switch, just in case something inside the switch was causing the issue, but that's where I'm at. I have a nice blue spark at the wire going to the coil, but nothing at the spark plug wire.
Can anyone tell me the correct gap for the spark generator? and does anyone have a suggestion?
I don't know if this indicates anything, but the headlight doesn't work though it works directly wired to a battery. I don't know if this is something that only works with the engine running, or if it's an indicator of something that is also wrong with the lack of spark.
Thanks in advance!
 
You'll need the Honda FSM if you don't already have one. If not PM Tom or myself and we'll get you handled.
If you bought the "pit bike" CDI from eBay that supposedly works give up, they don't work. You have to find a good used Honda part.
The headlight should come on with the key and turn off when the starter button is pushed. so you've got some electrical gremlins to kill off.
 
Lenny,
You DO realize that BOTH plugs or plug wires must ultimately connect to close the secondary circuit........
Feel free to phone.....
 
81 CM200 Twinstar

As you can see in the picture of the CDI, it doesn't have a pin for the green wire (ground) in the 3 pin connector. I don't know if this is why I can't get spark at spark plug, or if it's not necessary for this CDI. I purchased from "Rare Electrical" and it is specifically for the 1981-1982 Honda CM200T. I'm not pulling my hair out yet, but their response was "if I think it's broken, send it back"...
 
This is the craziest bike ever... I got an OEM CDI, plugged it in and had great spark. I adjusted the carb per the manual and was riding around the yard in 1st and 2nd gear. I went to drive down the road and it bogged and quit. Couldn't get it to re-start and pushed it back to the garage. I'm back to having no spark again?
I have to think that I must have a grounding issue, or the CDI went bad? I don't know at this point, but if anyone has experienced this please share???
The wiring and harnesses appear to be in great shape, they aren't brittle, and it doesn't look like anyone has messed with them, so I'm having a hard time thinking it could be a grounding or shorting issue?
 
There is likely a green wire coming out of the stator to the CDI. Check continuity of that to a frame ground like a clean bolt on the clutch cover, gear shift lever, etc. Also check the green wire that goes to the ignition coil.

If those check out OK you're best served by getting a PVA/Peak Voltage Adapter and testing the output of the stator to see if it's actually generating voltage. The tool is about $30: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093U3TFG
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom