Kawi2strokes.com Forum

Question: Do you have to have a battery in the bike to get a spark? I just picked up a 74 H2 that's been sitting for a number of years and I cant get a spark. I checked the wires and disconnected the kill switch. What I did find is an ugly looking stator from water damage. I cleaned it up best I could but I'm thinking this might be the problem. I ordered a battery and it's on it's way. Any suggestions?

Thanks

No, you do not need a battery for the ignition system of any H2. The CDI system is powered by two magneto windings of the stator that are totally separate from the 12V charging system. The low speed winding (coil) is susceptible to failure because it's made from many turns of hair-fine wire.

Measure the resistance (ohms) between the green and white wires of the 3-pin connector coming from your alternator and see if it's near 200 ohms. If it's very far from that reading, the low speed stator coil is bad (assuming the green and white wires themselves are not cut).

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Thanks Jim. I checked and it shows 210 ohms. Additional question before I forget, if I send you a cdi from a 73 H1 after I remove the insides from the 4 can you turn it into one that will work for a 72 H2? I want to have one of yours for my other H2 i'm restoring.

Thanks

Yes, no problem, since the H1D and H2 use the same boxes. The only difference is the H1D's wires are a little longer than the H2 units.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Great I'll be sending one to you. Whats the next thing I should check for no spark?

It probably time to test the CDI units using the "starfire" procedure on the resource site.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

After testing the CDI I've come to the conclusion that the problem is in the stator assembly. I'm getting spark in the left and center only and when I switch the white wires it shows the white "right" line from the stator is not working. The stator was exposed to moisture for a long time.

If you connected the right cylinder's signal generator to one of the other cylinders' inputs and it doesn't trigger a spark, then it seems you've determined that the right signal generator is bad. Assuming you don't have a horrendously improper gap with that SG, find a replacement.

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If it surges, that's normal, upshift.

Just an FYI.......since my H2B is apart......I figured I would check them.....the SG's read 164, 165 and 166 ohms.........white leads to black ground lead.........not sure if that is low or what, I can see how they wire down to the stator windings.

THX Phil

After checking mine- left 171, center 172, right 1, I have a new signal on the way to my house to replace the bad one. Any suggestions on how to cover any exposed copper wire in the stator? Some of the wrap is gone from being exposed to weather.