No spark when starting

[Bojon]

This problem has been driving me NUTS!! Most of the time my bike runs just fine. Then out of the blue it wont get any spark to the plugs. I've checked the power to the coils and ignition controller, and they are getting good juice. So I think I've narrowed it down to the ignition controller. Is there any way to check it?

Also my bike is an 86 Nighthawk S

[drdubb]

Is it all cylinders? I had one firing on two, but not the other b/c of a bad pulse coil. Sounds like an intermittent open in a wire somewhere. Put on ohmmeter on the wires and wiggle.

[Bojon]

Is it all cylinders? I had one firing on two, but not the other b/c of a bad pulse coil. Sounds like an intermittent open in a wire somewhere. Put on ohmmeter on the wires and wiggle.

Yes its all cylinders. Once its running its not an issue, just when you stop and try to start again. I hadn't considered checking the ohm rating when I was checking the voltage, I will make that my next course of action

[Bojon]

Alright it's been a while since I posted here, I've been busy rebuilding a Jeep and that has consumed most of my time. New discovery. Still no spark while trying to start, and its random. Works fine sometimes, then doesn't, then after sitting a day or two will start just fine. I've also discovered that when it doesn't start while running the starter, I can get it to start if its push started. Checked the wiring and they all have a good ohm rating.

[ExTex]

Many times if the engine won't start and push starting works,
the problem is low battery voltage.  Since your problem comes and goes, I'd get the battery tested under load
AND check my wiring around the battery and the wire to ground.


Good Luck,

[Iwannaride]

i had the exact same problem. Traced it to the kill switch on the handlebar. The solder connection had come loose, sometimes it would work & sometimes it wouldn't.