More CDI problems

cyclestud · Post by **cyclestud** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 6:15 pm

My '76 liquifire is giving me a lot of problems. Mostly when it heats up. I just rebuilt the engine and when I did so I tested all my electrical. I found everything to be good. Of course I don't know how to test the CDI, so I don't know if it is bad. I did the test from the FAQ section where you mark your clutch and use a timing light to see if you are getting spark on cyclinder 1 when you should be getting it on 2. I found that it does spark for both cylinders sometimes. Not all the time, but it is sparking double some. How much of a problem would this cause, and is the CDI the only thing that would cause it? I don't want to buy an expensive CDI if it won't fix the problem. My sled only runs to about 25 mph and then it bogs down. Carbs are clean and adjusted right. When the sled warms up it really struggles and won't even go 25. Would the CDI cause that? Also, does anyone know where I can get a CDI that won't empty my wallet?

cyclestud · Post by **cyclestud** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 6:25 pm

I have another question I forgot to post. What is the brand of ignition on these sleds? Is it Prestolite?

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 7:12 pm

cyclestud,
The electrical components were made by Prestolite. As the cdi box starts to go bad, it is not uncommon to skip a beat or spark. Before you start replacing parts, you need to figure out what is wrong. Did you follow the procedure in FAQ section to check the ohm readings of the stator. The ohm readings have to meet spec or the cdi box will not fire correctly. If the stator checks out, check the ohms of the external coils. If you know which plug is not firing, switch the coils to see if the problem moves with the coils. That would indicate a bad coil, otherwise the cdi box is bad. CDI boxes are available from most vendors, Shadetree is the cheapest I believe.
http://www.shadetreesnowmobile.com/cgi-bin...t?time=17:10:51