'83 ATC185S has no spark How to test?

[cajun66]

I got my 185S home last night, and today I tried to get it started. After I put in a new plug, fresh gas, and a small shot of starting fluid, I pulled the rope and got nothing. I pulled the plug and I've officially got no spark. :mad:
Is there some way I can check the coil and "black box"? Or should I look somewhere else first?

[225DX DUDE]

It may not be the problem, but check the spark plug wire for a start.

[cajun66]

I checked the wire at the plug cap. Seems to be OK.

[Gearheadtom]

If you know somebody with the same wheeler you could try the coil and CDI box of that on on yours.

[AngusJustice]

pull the cap and cut the coil wire back a bit then replace the cap turn on ignition and place spark plug against the engine head and pull start it you should use a new plug and you will see a big blue spark always work back from the problem cdi would be my last concern

[cajun66]

pull the cap and cut the coil wire back a bit then replace the cap
I'll try that tomorrow. I used to check ignition coils on outboards by loading them with a 12v battery then breaking connection causing a discharge (spark) at the plug. Would the same principle work here? What ohm should the plug wire read?
Thanks a million for the replies.

P.S. the POR15 tank coating I put in the tank 3 years ago is still holding great.
The Mudlites are also in great shape considering.

[Howdy]

Same basic motor style and a no spark problem.
http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=18333&highlight=Honda+Exciter+Coil
Howdy

[peter250r]

y'know what ya need to do mate, get yourself a service manual for it. that'll tell ya ALL ya need to know about everything. and get a multimeter. that will help with checking all the electronics.


check all conections to make sure they're ok. ive go a 82 185s and i had that
problem and it was only a broken wire.

check the on/off switch on the handle bar.

always check the simplest things first then work back to the more complicated things.

on mine if ever there was a problem it has always only been something simple. the cdi and coil and stator are pefectly alright.

[homebrew13]

i bought a spark checking tool at harbor frieght for 2.99 it hooks up to the plug and has a light bulb between the plug and the wire, when you either start or kick/pull it over it flashes the bulb. works good!
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4445

[oscarmayer]

^ that is a dam good idea!!!!!!! SWEETNESS!!!

[cajun66]

Thanks fellers. I'll keep y'all updated.

[cajun66]

I'll update later. Today I plan to untape the wiring and check for shorts, trip the plug wire, and plug cap.

[cajun66]

I trimmed both ends of the wire= No spark
I cleaned every terminal= No spark
I plugged the headlight back in= I have spark :D

Cleaned the old gas out of the tank, thoroughly cleaned the carb, and Ol' Smokey lives again! Doesn't run real well right now but whatever. It runs!
Now I have to wait to see what happens tomorrow when I get my 200 back.