Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Hi all,
I ordered this tester on Amazon hoping I could use it test the condensers on my S2A. The spark is kinda weak and the deflection test with an analog multimeter shows they fail. I thought this might give me a more accurate picture before I attempt to locate and solder new condensers in. The problem is that it didn't come with any instructions. Can anyone give me some guidance on how to use it? The Kawasaki S2 shop manual says the capacitor capacity is .18uf.
So I assume I set this meter on 2uf?
Disconnect the condenser before checking?
Do I charge the condenser first before checking and how do I do that correctly?
Guessing the leads attach to the 36VDC connection?
Black lead to the condenser ground?

Any help is appreciated!!

Jay

200nF would be the scale used to test for .18mF.
Manual is here: https://www.american-digital.com/prodsi ... VC6013.pdf
No, do not charge capacitor prior to test.

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Answers are here: http://kawatriple.com/

Thanks!!

The function of the capacitor is to reduce spark at the points contacts in order to preserve points and make them last longer.
The only way capacitor will detract from spark amount is when and if it becomes "leaky". By far the easiest test is with an analog meter. Alternately placing the test leads from pos to neg and reversing when meter is on ohms scale should make the needle swing up then down. The spark produced at the plug will be the same whether or not capacitor is installed.
A lack of spark at the plug is more often because BR type plugs are being used or resistance type plug caps are installed.... plug gap is also a factor.

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Answers are here: http://kawatriple.com/

Currently running B9HS-10 gapped at .020"
Getting a blue / white spark. Looks kinda weak. Testing with the new plugs grounded on the heads in my shop with ceiling lights turned off. Might be normal for points vs CDI?
This is my first Points ignition bike so maybe I'm seeing a normal spark and just don't know it.

That may very well be the case!

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Answers are here: http://kawatriple.com/

If the spark color is bluish-white I think you're probably seeing normal sparks.
CDI will produce nearly twice the voltage at the plug as a points system... that is the reason for different plug gaps.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Thanks guys!
Also, I started the bike at night with the ignition cover removed.
In the dark I saw a couple of minor sparks jump across the points but that was it.
This is what made me think the condensers were working in spite of the fact that I got no deflection with my Ohm Meter test.

Just to carry on with this thread and to confirm that I have no idea what I'm doing with this tester:

With the condenser lead disconnected from the points:
Positive test lead to the condenser and negative to ground I get a reading of 1__ on the far left of the scale on all three condensers.

With the condenser connected back to the points and with the points closed:
I get an average reading of 38 for all three condensers.

??

If you put one lead on the condenser's metal housing and one on the terminal on its wire, according to the manual it should read 0.18 uF. This is the same as 180 nF. Tolerances on capacitors like that are pretty loose, so it could be above 200 nF. Try the 2uF scale and see if it gives you a reading. It has to be disconnected from the circuit for the measurement.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.