74 JDX8... NO SPARK... I know, broken record right?

[solitaryman85]

I just bought a 74 JDX8 from a gentleman a few weeks back. He told me he went through the whole sled top to bottom. Rode it on a regular basis the last 3 years and this year while out riding he lost spark and the sled died. So, I bought it as is, no spark and I'm having a heck of a time getting her going. Here's what I know...

- No spark on either cylinders
- Tried taking the ignition/kill switch out of the loop, no change

I'm curious if there's anything else I should test before I tear into the mag side of the motor? Isn't it odd that both 1 and 2 have completely lost spark? Anybody have an educated guess as to where I should start? I've read the FAQs, but I feel like this isn't just a points issue seeing how the sled just died. He said it ran/started fine up to that point and then just... dead.

I got some spare parts included with the deal. A couple of ignition coils and a whole ignition/lighting/condenser setup. We tried testing them and everything goes to ground. Is this normal or are these all bad? Any help and/or suggestions will be helpful and much appreciated.

Thanks!

[b00stinGTP]

I have the same exact issue with my 74 jdx8. No spark either side.. I took the kill switch/key switch out of play.. nothing no spark. I replaced points, checked grounds.. nothing. I have come to the conclusion that I have a bad ignition coil.. but I have not found one so the sled has been sitting for weeks now. Hopefully you have better luck!

[JDT]

There are two ignition coils on the stator. Both failed at the same time???

It is possible if it was physical damage like a broken magnet but electrially failing?

[400brian]

I believe the generating coils will show some current flow to ground.


On your X8, the generating coil should show resistance of 1.3 to 1.4 ohms

[solitaryman85]

First, thank you all for your responses. I love the camaraderie of this site! Yes, no spark on either cylinder...very odd. So, it seems the general consensus is that my ignition generating coils on the stator are bad. Is this correct? So should I go ahead and tear into the motor and test the resistance of the generating coils? Or, is there anything else it could be?

Thanks!

[JDT]

You can test the coils at the engine connector.

Also check the ground wire on the connector to engine itself.