How i always explain CDI to newcomers... CDI - Capacitive Discharge Ignition, its a capacitor and a solid state version of a points style ignition. Thats all it is, a condensor, aka a capacitor, and a transistor that takes the place of the points. Its told to fire by the pickup, aka the pulse coil, on the head that rotates with the cam, that pickup replaces the mechanical switching of the points and tells the CDI to fire the charge from the capacitor to the spark coil. The problem is everyone hears CDI and such and thinks its a really complicated system, but its really quite simple.
Thank you! I've been trying to find a simple explanation of how these work for four years. I have a 250sx that quit running one day and had just about given up. I'll be doing this tomorrow and riding again soon. Thank you , thank you , thank you!!! Subscribed!
I think this is the best video I've seen so far on this kind of stuff a lot of videos out there of this but they seem to cut out all the parts that are important and then they just run through it real fast definitely a great video thanks
Big time THANK YOU for this video! I wish I had seen it last Friday before I spent a day ripping my hair out trying to figure out my 82' ATC-200. Turns out my stator is bad. I took plenty of notes and made a chart with the ohm ranges for my machine. Thanks again buddy! Long live the ATC!
Glad you like them! My goal is to build a collection of videos showing the most common repairs for these classic bikes to keep them running as long as possible. Thank for watching.
Yeah youtube is funny that way, you kinda have to already know what to look for. Thanks for finding me, I hope you like what you see, subscribe and stay awhile!
thank you.you explain everything so well.ive seen alot of videos when other people are trying to show us how to work on our bikes and they make me more connfused.you do a great job so please do more videos.thhank you again
This was a very informative video ! Awesome job I have a 1983 Honda 185s that runs and looks great and if I have a problem now iam set thank you very much .
No I haven't tried either of those guys I'll check em thanks Bud appreciate it very much . Really appreciate what you do as well you are an excellent teacher and I thank you for your time and effort. You rock.
I picked up a 82 200e basket case for $75 know nothing about trikes just finished rebuilding the axle from a seized brake system, down to the bearings in the hub assembly. Im now rebuilding the harness from scratch. Shes now a roller!
I just replaced the oem CDI with a square plug on one of my better running machines just for the hell of it. Holy Cow! What an improvement. I thought it ran great before. It’s even better. I’m replacing the cdi on all my machines now. Great Video!
My son just dropped off a 84 1 85 s no spark This is gonna help me a lot I sure appreciate it I might have to go back to it several times I subscribed to your channel I dig on the way you do stuff duh thanks a lot appreciate it
Welcome! and Thank you John, I am just trying to help others keep their machines alive. Thanks for watching, funny you can be on youtube over a year and people tell me everyday that they just found me. lol, Well I am glad you did.
Sir, you channel is awesome, very well put together, tons of info and techniques. Love the collection of bikes ..so awesome.. definitely be watching for new vids.
Also I have a question: I have a 83 200e big red I rebuild oe carb and now it fires right up and idle's perfect and revs good but no matter what I do it still has like a miss. Not like a backfire but a miss, I would say like a heart skips a beat. I have tried another carb I had laying around but runs the same. Would that be cause by the cdi ? Thanks so much.
I would start with the free stuff. Adjust the valves, clean the rotor magnet, check the timing, clean the ground at the coil and at the head. clean the plug, check for the miss after each thing you clean or adjust. A miss can be hard to track down, My first guess would be the plug, the plug wire, then the coil, then the cdi. in that order. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel
You are incredibly good at explaining things in a simple way. A sign of a true professional is making something hard look easy. You make it look easy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Marcus, I am not a good reader, I have always learned by watching and listening, I try to explain things in terms that I would understand, I think a lot of people are like me.
i got a motorized bike checked everything so simple but no spark it uses ac 5 pin cdi thanks awesome video man its a 3hp on mountain bike rips ass for real. when its running
Awesome video! Very helpful. Question. I have that exact same trike. Same year and evrything. Have you done a video on the starter circuit? Some one removed the ignition and cobbled mine up. I want to get the starter functional but Im not sure about how the starter circuit is supposed to be wired up. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me! Take care.
No sir not yet, but that's a great idea. Until I do, download the free manual at oscarmayer.net, its pretty simple the large power wire goes from the battery to one side of the solenoid, the other side to the starter. One of the solenoid wires brings ground from the start button, the other is keyed hot/positive 12 volts to the solenoid, the other wire from the button goes to ground. Get the manual, and you can follow the circuit. Thanks for watching and subscribing, I am glad I could help.
Great video I helped me start figuring out why I'm getting low spark on a 200s I just bought. My stator and pulse gen ohm out good, coil has low ohm reading, run switch seems a little low, but my green ground wire shows no reading at all, OL I don't have a battery like you did in this video any idea whats going on with my ground?
Good advice, I had a problem with my 1986 250,The spark plug would fire outside the motor, But an old timer(now I'm the old timer) told me the plug my not fire under compression, and I changed the plug and bingo it worked, This has happened like 5 times.
On my 82 110, I’ve checked everything you mentioned, I have spark but no start, I’m thinking CDI or low compression but when however….I’m only getting a reading of about 10ohms on my pulse generator instead of the 30-50 you say I should be getting? Thoughts? Thanks so much!
@@2dirtbikekid if you have spark, and no pop with starter fluid this means your have no compression, either your valves are opening ( cam installed wrong) or you need rings on your piston. please run a compression test if you have 90psi or better than you are sparking at the wrong time, means your cam is 180 degrees out of phase or your pickup is 180 degree out of phase, it is possible to have both of these wrong, verify TDC and that the exhaust valve begins to open just after TDC.
I plan to do a compression test this weekend. I agree I’m pretty convinced it’s low compression, the starter rope pulls right through without any resistance really. It probably needs rings. I had it running and then the throttle stuck so I hit the on off button to kill it and it hasn’t started back since.
I just picked me up a 1980 ATC 110 and it had no spark ⚡️ so I check things and concluded it was the stator it looked like water got into the area so I found a stator/flywheel combo for $50.00 on eBay lucky 🍀 for that price and I adjusted and cleaned up the points something after 80 they changed to CDI and I had bought a new carburetor for $16.99 on Amazon she fired up and running 🏃♀️ that week. I also bought a carb rebuild kit for old carb because I want to keep it in stock for when I restore it,It’s a pretty unit no broken plastic the tank is a bit rough however I slapped in filters so happy I gave $300.00 for the 3 wheeler which here in Michigan is cheap right now they are asinine price’s going on lately, I do want to find some tires come where have any leads? They are 22 11 8 let me know thanks. I do love the channel and watch your videos good content enjoy watching.
Thanks for watching InTheFleshInc , those points can be tricky sometimes. As for tires, follow one of the links in my video descriptions, there a lot of tires to choose from on Amazon, most all of the national chains like chapo tires sell on Amazon too, and most time its cheaper their.
hi, I really liked your video! Im having problems with my motorcycle`s CDI and the factory told me I must wait 2 months for the replacement. Was wondering if I could use an other one but when i read online everybody writes that its dangerous to use an other one. Is it true and why? I found some that has the same plug but its for smaller bikes ( 150cc) while mine is 250cc. Does it matter? Thank you in advance
I have 3 200e's and a 110 for my grandson, love Honda. This video is gold, thank you sir. I had a no crank/start with a '82 200e, the fuse was dirty, wiped it with sand paper and just like new again ! I'm subbed.
Right on! Thanks for watching Bob, I love these old things, I would rather rebuild one of these than buy a new one. I think there is a lot of us out there. lol Welcome to the Channel
Awesome video as always. I'm wondering if you ever wanted to make video on how to disassemble clean and reassemble the kill switch headlight switch housing?
I love this video and used it to diagnose a 1983 185es with no fire? i bought it for 100.00 and it needs work. i need to rebuild the stator so i bought the primary and secondary stator from dratv as you suggested, and though it seems silly i cant find a video on rebuilding the stator itself? i saw one of your videos where you just swapped out one from your on hand stock. you ever done this? thanks.
Im glad i could help, i will look in to a video of rebuilding a coil, ots pretty startight forward pull the assembly and each coil has 2 mounting screws and a single wire hook up. Solder to joint is best but i have seen a spade connector also.
By far the best diagnostic vid on UA-cam on this topic. Question- when my kill switch is in the OFF position, I’m only getting .8-1.0 ohms resistance. Is that ok? I didn’t see a value for this component
This Is awesome information . the bike i bought is a wirering night mare . i found a pink wire with it going to nothing . looked at the wireing diagram and it goes to DC consent what and where is it . do i need it thank you Bob
I bet , it is a red wire that has been faded over time. if its a constant 12v than it should go to the battery, and more than likely it had a fuse inline back at the battery.
Yes it has a 5a fuse on it runs between the starter relay and a 12 volt source, yes you need it to use the push button starter circuit. but you should not need it to use pull rope
Yes, Cody I have, I have used a melting iron from Harbor Freight and wire mesh, it will work and hold quite well, but it is not the prettiest repair. You can even heat the plastic and "weld" it back together, but it does become brittle. Thank you for watching.
I usually spray the connector with electronic cleaner to wash out the dirt and clean the contacts. And when unpinning, I push the wire forward in the connector before inserting the removal tool as the barb can be stuck into the plastic plug and by pushing forward first you're creating a little gap to allow the tool to press down the barb without damaging it. Also if you need to change the metal pins it's a good idea to have the proper die tool to crimp the new connector on, the tool bends the tabs of the pin around and down into the wire the same as the factory crimp. It's impossible to get a good crimp with pliers or a insulated crimping tool. The crimping die is fairly inexpensive at $10-20.
Hey Dave, those are all great tips, thanks for sharing with everyone. I will certainly use some of those myself, Thanks for watching and subscribing to the channel
I appreciate all your videos. thank you for sharing. I have a problem with a 185s 1981 model year. We have done the test like you have show in this video but still can not get the motor to start. We have spark, New Coil, and we did have this running a year ago but, now it will not run
@@mrcbuilds ok I will see if I can get a gauge to check compression. We know we have spark and the fuel is getting into the carb. I think based on your video's ( they are great with all the detail ! thanks again ! ) we have the timing right too . I will let you know... thank you!
I have a '82 honda ATC 110 without a battery. Are the resistance values the same with a machine without a battery? I think I have a bad stator. No resistance on the black wire with red . Thanks Dale Love your video.
This was SOOOOO far beyond anything I have found to date about our older machines. This will help me figure out what is going on with my 250 4 TRAXX. It's an 86 or maybe an 82 model. You may be able to tell me. all the info has been worn off the quad. I can say It doesn't have wishbone front suspension. and it's shaft driven. Any help you may be able to provide will be gratefully appreciated.
Great video full of imfo. I have a question, I have a 18 HP single cylinder air cooled Honda in my H5013 4WD compact tractor. My CDI has been giving me problems for many years- You Tube gave me a fix video of popsicle sticks and a hose clamp. It works for a while but if I could get a new CDI for $20 or $30 dollars I would gladly spend that money. CDI has two plugs, 4 wires and two wires. Would DR ATV have one that would work for me? Thanks for any imfo.
Its worth tring to match up your cdi to a 4 wheeler. The honda 300 has a cdi like you described. You may have to repin it like i did but it should have everything you need.
My Big Red has very little spark. I've replaced a whole lot of things on the trike, and spent a lot of money and time making her run good. One day after replacing the clutch and timing chain I had the most beautiful blue spark I've ever seen. I made it about half a mile up my road before she quit on me and never started up again. I figured it was the CDI so I bought a square one and put her in. Had to put new connections in and solder then down securely as the old connection didn't work. It was my first time soldering, and they don't look too good but my ohm meter says that all of them are good. Anyway I still have barely any spark. Ive put a new ignition coil in too and that still did nothing. ohm meter says that everything is good to my knowledge. I think my green wire (ground) might be a little funky however. it is at 0.9 or around that area when my ohm meter is set to 200. My stator as well doesn't give me a reading when I'm at 200, but when I set my ohm meter to 2000 it gives me a reading of 300 ohms. Also I checked my stator, and when I use the pull starter it makes peak 30 volts. I've sunk a ton of hours working on my big red since I got her last summer, and have spent hundreds of hours riding her. I commented 6 months ago when she broke, and I'm considering selling her since I've put a ton on money and hours into her and she still isn't running. I know this is a lot to read, but any help is appreciated.
Hey spectr4. Go back to your stator start there. Verify your output. If your readings are not with in spec then that's the problem. Sounds like the stator is bad, and it the only thing you havent replaced.you say it's not within spec. Start there. Download the manual follow the trouble shooting for no spark. It will give you the ranges for each component. Also did you set the gap on the rotor? No bigger than the thickness of a business card.
no reverse stall fix 👍have got a new engine put in from big red drop of loader and rand over hoping that was my original problem i have 3 job to keep up whit spark plugs LOL, no but every copple start here a plug again there dry black cover have try new coil valve adjustment what next.
When ohm testing the pulse generator with the blue with yellow tracer are you purely testing the pickup alone? Mine reads like 89 cold with spark and then doesn't read at all after it's hot and lost spark
Thank you for the great videos, I have a 83' 185s, it was running rough and sooting up plugs so thought I would check timing. Did everything in order found I was off two teeth.. corrected it, now engine won't fire and I feel like I had weak spark. Plus while adjusting lifters, I found the intake won't adjust with any play. Had 120 compression before, I have no idea what's going on, would appreciate any help, thank you!
2 teeth off is a lot, i would go back and double check your work. Sooting plug means running rich means the carb is rich and needs to be adjusted (enrichment screw)
Ok thank you I will double check. Also one last question. I was adjusting my lash at top dead center and I can't get any adjustment out of my intake valve, it has no play but it does move, exhaust is fine. Thank you again.
Friend of mine has a 2003 350 Honda four wheeler he says the CDI box is bad he can be riding it it’ll shut off and start once it cools down. Appreciate any comments back on that.
Hi kelly, yes coils and cdi act up and stop working when they get hot. I would check the coil first use an ohm meter and test it, reference the online manual for the correct spec. If its good than order a new cdi.
Great explanation going to try diagnose a Honda Rancher 350 four wheeler no spark, again.....already did some " part changing mechanic" work no spark yet! Will a bad kill switch or no crank switch keep me from creating spark? I can crank the starter even when I toggle the switch I'm "assuming" it's a bad switch
Yes a bad kill switch can cause it to have no spark. Use you test light backwards. Clip the clip on one side of the switch and the probe on the positive side of the battery and flip the switch. When ground is seen by the clip it will loght up.
@mrcbuilds Found out a wire was chewed all the way to the harness sleeve couldn't see it missing....fixed that problem with the switch, then started from step one battery, alternator coil, and fuse box...found 2 bad fuses that I must of "checked" visually 10 times and didn't notice they where bad, it started right up! Engine seems to be in good shape and it drives, so now to clean it up and have everything in working order! Awesome machines from sitting in the weather for 4 plus years to starting right up with no problems but a fuse!
@mrcbuilds yes its a good feeling diy, even better when the bike was free and left for junk. Thanks for posting great information 👍 I'm trying the plastic welding now! Thanks again!
Yes, it could be the reverse inhibitor. Its located under the left rear fender its a relay that kills the start circuit if its in reverse. disconnect the gray wire from the cdi that will bypass that system. Be warned you will be able to start the machine in reverse now.
Hi MRC, I am rebuilding a set of thrashed 200E bikes from 1982 and 1983. The 83 was a parts bike and is missing the front ignition system and headlight. I am trying to do some repairs on the wiring and found a fuse that’s got a pink wire on one end, and a yellow/red wire on the other. I’ve checked the wiring diagrams and forums online with no luck. Any idea what it is and why the other bikes don’t have that fuse?
I have a huge problem with my x8 super pocket bike it starts up fine a 50cc super pocket bike but for one it move by its self and will gain up to 15 or 20mph with me even touching the throttle And the other problem is if i give it over 10% throttle it bogs down and at 25-30% it cuts off i got a brand new carb and tuned it but it hasn’t changed anything im stuck thanks for any information in advance ill be sure to subscribe
Hi, it could be a couple of different things. I would adjust the valves, then I would check for a leak in the intake between the carb and head. With it running, spray the intake with carb cleaner, if the idle goes up you have a crack or leak. Then I would clean the carb. The primary jet sounds clogged. Lastly replace the plug with a new NGK brand.. thanks for watching and subscribing.
are you sure your talking about a 250es and not a 200es, the 250es does not have a round plug best I remember. If you do have 200es like the one in the video or thumbnail then kind-of yes, you have to repin the plug using your machine pin arrangement. its not plug and play. I suggest convert to the square plug, hotter spark and cheap replacement cost.
@@mrcbuilds thanks for the reply all three of mine are 85 250 big reds. I will take your advisement on converting to square plug I was just curious if on from a smaller cc machine would run the 250 given they are the same plug... I have been enjoying your work keep it up thanks again.
Alright I have questions, 1984 Honda trx200(same wiring as a 200es, I had one of those for a while) so I have it no spark. I’ve gone through the steps to test the wiring like you suggested, everything ohms out within set limits, no spark. I have 3 cdi’ boxes laying around, with through a spark test on all three and no spark, I have two coils and swapped coils and spark plugs and repeated through all three cdi’s. No spark. All three are Chinese cheapo’s, should I try swapping to the ones you mentioned? I can’t even find the ends like you suggested on there. I’ve tracked electrical problems before but this is getting me
@@mrcbuilds no, I’ll try that. I have been mechanically spinning it over and not getting spark, I didn’t think the grey wire effected anything but the actually starter
I have been told you can rewire and use a 200s on an 84 200es, i pesonally have not tried it. You will not use the gray wire if you try to ise your 200s cdi
Hello mrcbuilds I recently bought a 84 trx200 with no spark so I removed the stator and discovered oil ran out of it is this supposed to be wet with oil,I never saw that before from other stators I've taken apart thanks BTW your videos are great
My son has a 84 atc200 es Big red. His unit wasn't getting spark my neighbor said to boil the cdi and let it cool down and plug it in if it works its your cdi and it did work so we ordered one on Amazon they sent us the wrong one its round not square but it lights up the neutral and reverse light at the same time it shuts down the ignition is there anything I can do with this situation
I have a question for you,I have a 1995 big red , I recenty blew the 20 main fuse ,Could you tell me if it is a maxi or ato/atc fuse ?Thanks for your help.
I have not had any luck testing a cdi. I have read about guys who build custom circuit boards that can then test them, but as for just testing loads and continuity sorry no.
Sometimes I’m apart changer and some times I’m a Diagnoser and sometimes all you can do is replace parts so I don’t agree with that statement that’s like saying you can’t work on car unless your certified too 😂
love that video , but my problem is very bizarre, i dont have spark when i have the killswitch on , but when i wiggle it on and off and on and off while pulling the rope , it sparks sometime. Any ideas ??
yeah, the switch is bad, lol, disconnect one side of the kill/run/kill circuit (green or black wire going to the switch)and it will run again. Think of that switch as an interrupter, the two wires are not touching (On) and two wires are touching (Off) it grounds the coil, killing the machine.
I think you are a great teacher. I appreciate your videos.
How i always explain CDI to newcomers... CDI - Capacitive Discharge Ignition, its a capacitor and a solid state version of a points style ignition. Thats all it is, a condensor, aka a capacitor, and a transistor that takes the place of the points. Its told to fire by the pickup, aka the pulse coil, on the head that rotates with the cam, that pickup replaces the mechanical switching of the points and tells the CDI to fire the charge from the capacitor to the spark coil. The problem is everyone hears CDI and such and thinks its a really complicated system, but its really quite simple.
As others have said,you explain the steps well,very detailed,nothing left out. Thanks for all videos you post,much appreciated.
Thank you Gary
Absolutely the best atv videos on here !!
Thank you! I've been trying to find a simple explanation of how these work for four years. I have a 250sx that quit running one day and had just about given up. I'll be doing this tomorrow and riding again soon. Thank you , thank you , thank you!!! Subscribed!
Thanks John, and welcome to the channel
I think this is the best video I've seen so far on this kind of stuff a lot of videos out there of this but they seem to cut out all the parts that are important and then they just run through it real fast definitely a great video thanks
Thank you JP.
Big time THANK YOU for this video! I wish I had seen it last Friday before I spent a day ripping my hair out trying to figure out my 82' ATC-200. Turns out my stator is bad. I took plenty of notes and made a chart with the ohm ranges for my machine. Thanks again buddy! Long live the ATC!
I'm glad it helped you. Thanks for watching and subscribing to my channel
Immediately watch the videos posted just incase i run into one of the issues mentioned. Great videos!
Glad you like them! My goal is to build a collection of videos showing the most common repairs for these classic bikes to keep them running as long as possible. Thank for watching.
Wow I can't believe you never came up in any of my three wheeler searches but my nephew told me about you and boom first video and I'm running thanks
Yeah youtube is funny that way, you kinda have to already know what to look for. Thanks for finding me, I hope you like what you see, subscribe and stay awhile!
Outstanding tutorial sir! Very thorough and a fantastic resource!
thank you.you explain everything so well.ive seen alot of videos when other people are trying to show us how to work on our bikes and they make me more connfused.you do a great job so please do more videos.thhank you again
Glad it was helpful! thanks for the kind words
Man you are the only youtube guy I've seen who helped me. Thanks so much!
Thank you Larry, I'm glad I could help.
This was a very informative video ! Awesome job I have a 1983 Honda 185s that runs and looks great and if I have a problem now iam set thank you very much .
Keep videos coming on 3 wheelers your helping a lot of people that not familiar with electrical like me ha ha great video thanks!
Thanks Jeffery, will do!
Thank you for sharing this!! This Is awesome information!!! Thank you so much for sharing the knowledge!!
No I haven't tried either of those guys I'll check em thanks Bud appreciate it very much . Really appreciate what you do as well you are an excellent teacher and I thank you for your time and effort. You rock.
You are the best teaching atv mechanic !! Thanks for your help and all the tricks you teach!!
Thanks JP, I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching and subscribing
I picked up a 82 200e basket case for $75 know nothing about trikes just finished rebuilding the axle from a seized brake system, down to the bearings in the hub assembly. Im now rebuilding the harness from scratch. Shes now a roller!
Thats awesome Josh! The 200e is a sought after machine with high and low. Its perfect candidate for a lift kit if you wanted. Enjoy the process.
Man your videos are so satisfying your my second choice to go to on these old three wheelers.
Second choice....... ok I can live with that. Thanks for watching.lol
I just replaced the oem CDI with a square plug on one of my better running machines just for the hell of it. Holy Cow! What an improvement. I thought it ran great before. It’s even better. I’m replacing the cdi on all my machines now. Great Video!
Thanks, I'm glad I could help
Where can I get the conversion kit?
Great video, thanks for taking the time to post it.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for watching.
Wow, great tutorial! Amazingly explained. Keep doing this, you're a great teacher!
Thank you sir. Just finding my groove. Thanks for watching.
Best atc videos out here! Love the content, don’t need the music imo lol
I Appreciate the feedback, Thanks for watching.
I really appreciate you, Thank you. My kids 84 trx 125 sparks one time then stops sparking now I can diagnose it and fix it for them.
My son just dropped off a 84 1 85 s no spark This is gonna help me a lot I sure appreciate it I might have to go back to it several times I subscribed to your channel I dig on the way you do stuff duh thanks a lot appreciate it
Thanks Rick. That means alot. Good luck and let me know how it turns out!
Thanks this was very helpful, it's my first time DG on a honda big red, all my readings are good so I ordered a new cdi box 👌
I'm glad to help, Thanks for watching.
Excellent Video....thanks. Going to test my rig tomorrow.
Thank you, and good luck!
I really like your explanations, thorough video, and good explanations, keep up the good work.
Thank you sewerdog.
Man, your videos are just plain fantastic...please keep it up
Thank you CJ.
Absolutely
Awesome videos... really appreciate the help!
Thanks Michael, please subscride to the channel for mre 3 wheeler content
you saved a 1985 big red today!! appreciate these videos!
That awesome! Im happy to help.
Thank you for this excellent video. Huge help for me!
Glad it helped, thanks for watching.
Finding the problem is often much harder than fixing the problem 😕 at least with me, very helpful video, thanks much.
Glad it helped, thanks for watching.
Great video. Thank you!
I'm glad you liked it, thanks
Thanks a lot love the video.. It really helped me
Hey Troy, thanks, im glad it helped you.
Awesome content. Thanks
Thanks Micth, I'm glad I could help.
Love the part you say 2 kinds of mechanics, parts changer and diagnoser 👍✌️
My late father law was a mechanic for over 40 years, he taught me a lot, that was one of his sayings.
New subscriber here. Excellent channel!! Thank you for the information.
Welcome! and Thank you John, I am just trying to help others keep their machines alive. Thanks for watching, funny you can be on youtube over a year and people tell me everyday that they just found me. lol, Well I am glad you did.
Thanks for your help!!!!
Anytime
Thanks! Very helpful🙂
Your very welcome! Thanks for checking out the channel
Sir, you channel is awesome, very well put together, tons of info and techniques. Love the collection of bikes ..so awesome.. definitely be watching for new vids.
Also I have a question: I have a 83 200e big red I rebuild oe carb and now it fires right up and idle's perfect and revs good but no matter what I do it still has like a miss. Not like a backfire but a miss, I would say like a heart skips a beat. I have tried another carb I had laying around but runs the same. Would that be cause by the cdi ? Thanks so much.
I would start with the free stuff. Adjust the valves, clean the rotor magnet, check the timing, clean the ground at the coil and at the head. clean the plug, check for the miss after each thing you clean or adjust. A miss can be hard to track down, My first guess would be the plug, the plug wire, then the coil, then the cdi. in that order. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel
Brilliant mate, cheers.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for supporting the channel
Nice info to refresh the brain, ggz-👽👍
Love your video ,
Thank you! I glad they help.
Fantastic video
Thank you, i hope it helped you
Great tutor, very well explation...
Thanks John, im happy to help
Thanks for your help
Glad I could help AJ
Good video on the CDI I have a TRX250EX with that same problem
Thanks Jerry!
Thanks for sharing brother.
You bet, thanks for subscribing and watching the videos
Excellent work buddy,
Thank you Peter, just trying to help others, like others have helped me.
People like yourself are few and far, rare in today's society.
Ty.i have gotten my first bike an it's not getting sparks.your video help me alot to understand the parts.
Happy to help Frank. thanks for watching.
You are incredibly good at explaining things in a simple way. A sign of a true professional is making something hard look easy. You make it look easy. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks Marcus, I am not a good reader, I have always learned by watching and listening, I try to explain things in terms that I would understand, I think a lot of people are like me.
If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't know exactly what you're talking about. Who said it first. Not taking credit for that wit
i got a motorized bike checked everything so simple but no spark it uses ac 5 pin cdi thanks awesome video man its a 3hp on mountain bike rips ass for real. when its running
Your welcome scarsac, thanks for watching
Awesome video! Very helpful. Question. I have that exact same trike. Same year and evrything. Have you done a video on the starter circuit? Some one removed the ignition and cobbled mine up. I want to get the starter functional but Im not sure about how the starter circuit is supposed to be wired up. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me! Take care.
No sir not yet, but that's a great idea. Until I do, download the free manual at oscarmayer.net, its pretty simple the large power wire goes from the battery to one side of the solenoid, the other side to the starter. One of the solenoid wires brings ground from the start button, the other is keyed hot/positive 12 volts to the solenoid, the other wire from the button goes to ground. Get the manual, and you can follow the circuit. Thanks for watching and subscribing, I am glad I could help.
Great video I helped me start figuring out why I'm getting low spark on a 200s I just bought. My stator and pulse gen ohm out good, coil has low ohm reading, run switch seems a little low, but my green ground wire shows no reading at all, OL I don't have a battery like you did in this video any idea whats going on with my ground?
Run a continuity test between the engine and the frame and the stator and the engine and frame. You may have corrosion somewhere.
Good advice, I had a problem with my 1986 250,The spark plug would fire outside the motor, But an old timer(now I'm the old timer) told me the plug my not fire under compression, and I changed the plug and bingo it worked, This has happened like 5 times.
Great videos man!!! Very informative!!
Thank you sir.
On my 82 110, I’ve checked everything you mentioned, I have spark but no start, I’m thinking CDI or low compression but when however….I’m only getting a reading of about 10ohms on my pulse generator instead of the 30-50 you say I should be getting? Thoughts? Thanks so much!
Also when I add starter fluid to the spark plug hole, it doesn’t pop off as it should so I’m really confused…
@@2dirtbikekid if you have spark, and no pop with starter fluid this means your have no compression, either your valves are opening ( cam installed wrong) or you need rings on your piston. please run a compression test if you have 90psi or better than you are sparking at the wrong time, means your cam is 180 degrees out of phase or your pickup is 180 degree out of phase, it is possible to have both of these wrong, verify TDC and that the exhaust valve begins to open just after TDC.
I plan to do a compression test this weekend. I agree I’m pretty convinced it’s low compression, the starter rope pulls right through without any resistance really. It probably needs rings. I had it running and then the throttle stuck so I hit the on off button to kill it and it hasn’t started back since.
I just picked me up a 1980 ATC 110 and it had no spark ⚡️ so I check things and concluded it was the stator it looked like water got into the area so I found a stator/flywheel combo for $50.00 on eBay lucky 🍀 for that price and I adjusted and cleaned up the points something after 80 they changed to CDI and I had bought a new carburetor for $16.99 on Amazon she fired up and running 🏃♀️ that week. I also bought a carb rebuild kit for old carb because I want to keep it in stock for when I restore it,It’s a pretty unit no broken plastic the tank is a bit rough however I slapped in filters so happy I gave $300.00 for the 3 wheeler which here in Michigan is cheap right now they are asinine price’s going on lately, I do want to find some tires come where have any leads? They are 22 11 8 let me know thanks. I do love the channel and watch your videos good content enjoy watching.
Thanks for watching InTheFleshInc , those points can be tricky sometimes. As for tires, follow one of the links in my video descriptions, there a lot of tires to choose from on Amazon, most all of the national chains like chapo tires sell on Amazon too, and most time its cheaper their.
hi, I really liked your video! Im having problems with my motorcycle`s CDI and the factory told me I must wait 2 months for the replacement.
Was wondering if I could use an other one but when i read online everybody writes that its dangerous to use an other one. Is it true and why?
I found some that has the same plug but its for smaller bikes ( 150cc) while mine is 250cc. Does it matter?
Thank you in advance
I have 3 200e's and a 110 for my grandson, love Honda. This video is gold, thank you sir. I had a no crank/start with a '82 200e, the fuse was dirty, wiped it with sand paper and just like new again ! I'm subbed.
Right on! Thanks for watching Bob, I love these old things, I would rather rebuild one of these than buy a new one. I think there is a lot of us out there. lol Welcome to the Channel
Awesome video as always. I'm wondering if you ever wanted to make video on how to disassemble clean and reassemble the kill switch headlight switch housing?
I have cleaned a few but never on video. It can be done.
Cleaning it is the easy part. Figuring out how it goes back together well I think I messed up taking it apart lol.
Awe man this was great! What did you set the ohm meter at to do your testing?
I believe it was 2000 ohms
That's broke down shot gun style break down of what to do when you have issues great video my friend
I may have over explained it, lol
@@mrcbuilds if we can't understand that no one needs work work on them lol
I love this video and used it to diagnose a 1983 185es with no fire? i bought it for 100.00 and it needs work. i need to rebuild the stator so i bought the primary and secondary stator from dratv as you suggested, and though it seems silly i cant find a video on rebuilding the stator itself? i saw one of your videos where you just swapped out one from your on hand stock. you ever done this? thanks.
Im glad i could help, i will look in to a video of rebuilding a coil, ots pretty startight forward pull the assembly and each coil has 2 mounting screws and a single wire hook up. Solder to joint is best but i have seen a spade connector also.
By far the best diagnostic vid on UA-cam on this topic. Question- when my kill switch is in the OFF position, I’m only getting .8-1.0 ohms resistance. Is that ok? I didn’t see a value for this component
Hi Gabe, the kill switch in the off position should be a dead short or infinate.
@@mrcbuilds thx for the reply and video!
This Is awesome information . the bike i bought is a wirering night mare . i found a pink wire with it going to nothing . looked at the wireing diagram and it goes to DC consent what and where is it . do i need it thank you Bob
I bet , it is a red wire that has been faded over time. if its a constant 12v than it should go to the battery, and more than likely it had a fuse inline back at the battery.
the wiring schematics sez its pink and goes to a DC constant . is it needed thank you Bob
Yes it has a 5a fuse on it runs between the starter relay and a 12 volt source, yes you need it to use the push button starter circuit. but you should not need it to use pull rope
Have you ever used a hot stapler to repair plastic? I strongly recommend it.
Yes, Cody I have, I have used a melting iron from Harbor Freight and wire mesh, it will work and hold quite well, but it is not the prettiest repair. You can even heat the plastic and "weld" it back together, but it does become brittle. Thank you for watching.
I usually spray the connector with electronic cleaner to wash out the dirt and clean the contacts. And when unpinning, I push the wire forward in the connector before inserting the removal tool as the barb can be stuck into the plastic plug and by pushing forward first you're creating a little gap to allow the tool to press down the barb without damaging it. Also if you need to change the metal pins it's a good idea to have the proper die tool to crimp the new connector on, the tool bends the tabs of the pin around and down into the wire the same as the factory crimp. It's impossible to get a good crimp with pliers or a insulated crimping tool. The crimping die is fairly inexpensive at $10-20.
Hey Dave, those are all great tips, thanks for sharing with everyone. I will certainly use some of those myself, Thanks for watching and subscribing to the channel
I appreciate all your videos. thank you for sharing. I have a problem with a 185s 1981 model year. We have done the test like you have show in this video but still can not get the motor to start. We have spark, New Coil, and we did have this running a year ago but, now it will not run
You need all 4 things.
Spark, compression,fuel/air and timing.
You need to check your compression and timing.
@@mrcbuilds ok I will see if I can get a gauge to check compression. We know we have spark and the fuel is getting into the carb. I think based on your video's ( they are great with all the detail ! thanks again ! ) we have the timing right too . I will let you know... thank you!
@@user-ph8zr2uy5c did you get it running?
I have a '82 honda ATC 110 without a battery. Are the resistance values the same with a machine without a battery? I think I have a bad stator. No resistance on the black wire with red .
Thanks Dale Love your video.
Check the free service manual for the correct value of that machine. But it should have some. So a reading of zero is a issue for sure.
This was SOOOOO far beyond anything I have found to date about our older machines. This will help me figure out what is going on with my 250 4 TRAXX. It's an 86 or maybe an 82 model. You may be able to tell me. all the info has been worn off the quad. I can say It doesn't have wishbone front suspension. and it's shaft driven. Any help you may be able to provide will be gratefully appreciated.
Sounds like a 200sx. Google an image and see if its looks like yours.
Great video full of imfo. I have a question, I have a 18 HP single cylinder air cooled Honda in my H5013 4WD compact tractor. My CDI has been giving me problems for many years- You Tube gave me a fix video of popsicle sticks and a hose clamp. It works for a while but if I could get a new CDI for $20 or $30 dollars I would gladly spend that money. CDI has two plugs, 4 wires and two wires. Would DR ATV have one that would work for me? Thanks for any imfo.
Its worth tring to match up your cdi to a 4 wheeler. The honda 300 has a cdi like you described. You may have to repin it like i did but it should have everything you need.
My Big Red has very little spark. I've replaced a whole lot of things on the trike, and spent a lot of money and time making her run good. One day after replacing the clutch and timing chain I had the most beautiful blue spark I've ever seen. I made it about half a mile up my road before she quit on me and never started up again. I figured it was the CDI so I bought a square one and put her in. Had to put new connections in and solder then down securely as the old connection didn't work. It was my first time soldering, and they don't look too good but my ohm meter says that all of them are good. Anyway I still have barely any spark. Ive put a new ignition coil in too and that still did nothing. ohm meter says that everything is good to my knowledge. I think my green wire (ground) might be a little funky however. it is at 0.9 or around that area when my ohm meter is set to 200. My stator as well doesn't give me a reading when I'm at 200, but when I set my ohm meter to 2000 it gives me a reading of 300 ohms. Also I checked my stator, and when I use the pull starter it makes peak 30 volts. I've sunk a ton of hours working on my big red since I got her last summer, and have spent hundreds of hours riding her. I commented 6 months ago when she broke, and I'm considering selling her since I've put a ton on money and hours into her and she still isn't running. I know this is a lot to read, but any help is appreciated.
Hey spectr4.
Go back to your stator start there. Verify your output. If your readings are not with in spec then that's the problem. Sounds like the stator is bad, and it the only thing you havent replaced.you say it's not within spec. Start there. Download the manual follow the trouble shooting for no spark. It will give you the ranges for each component. Also did you set the gap on the rotor? No bigger than the thickness of a business card.
@@mrcbuilds I did set the gap of the rotor with a old drivers license. Hopefully a Stator is what I need. Buying all these parts is troublesome haha.
So what was the outcome after you replaced the stator? Better spark?
no reverse stall fix 👍have got a new engine put in from big red drop of loader and rand over hoping that was my original problem i have 3 job to keep up whit spark plugs LOL, no but every copple start here a plug again there dry black cover have try new coil valve adjustment what next.
Black plug, means run rich, adjust your air fuel mix, the screw on the bottom, turn it clockwise or inward a half turn. Clean your plug and retest.
Love the led zeppelin swan song t shirt
Thank you, TY dosent allow cool music, so i figured the shirts may help bring the 70/80 vibe.
Which cdi is the right one on this 1984 200es once the new adapter is installed on the 1984 200es bigred?
The adapter allows you to run the cheap 5 pin cdi from dratv.com or ebay.
When ohm testing the pulse generator with the blue with yellow tracer are you purely testing the pickup alone? Mine reads like 89 cold with spark and then doesn't read at all after it's hot and lost spark
It should read 30 ohms resistance plus or minus 5 ohms. Your has a dead short
Thank you for the great videos, I have a 83' 185s, it was running rough and sooting up plugs so thought I would check timing. Did everything in order found I was off two teeth.. corrected it, now engine won't fire and I feel like I had weak spark. Plus while adjusting lifters, I found the intake won't adjust with any play. Had 120 compression before, I have no idea what's going on, would appreciate any help, thank you!
2 teeth off is a lot, i would go back and double check your work. Sooting plug means running rich means the carb is rich and needs to be adjusted (enrichment screw)
Also did you pit the magnet/ rotor back incorrectly ? It can be pit in 180s out and it wont run.
Ok thank you I will double check. Also one last question. I was adjusting my lash at top dead center and I can't get any adjustment out of my intake valve, it has no play but it does move, exhaust is fine. Thank you again.
@@shawngraham8816 you should be able to loosen the 10mm but and then unscrew the adjuster on the intake just like the exhaust valve
Friend of mine has a 2003 350 Honda four wheeler he says the CDI box is bad he can be riding it it’ll shut off and start once it cools down. Appreciate any comments back on that.
Hi kelly, yes coils and cdi act up and stop working when they get hot. I would check the coil first use an ohm meter and test it, reference the online manual for the correct spec. If its good than order a new cdi.
Great explanation going to try diagnose a Honda Rancher 350 four wheeler no spark, again.....already did some " part changing mechanic" work no spark yet! Will a bad kill switch or no crank switch keep me from creating spark? I can crank the starter even when I toggle the switch I'm "assuming" it's a bad switch
Yes a bad kill switch can cause it to have no spark. Use you test light backwards. Clip the clip on one side of the switch and the probe on the positive side of the battery and flip the switch. When ground is seen by the clip it will loght up.
@mrcbuilds Found out a wire was chewed all the way to the harness sleeve couldn't see it missing....fixed that problem with the switch, then started from step one battery, alternator coil, and fuse box...found 2 bad fuses that I must of "checked" visually 10 times and didn't notice they where bad, it started right up! Engine seems to be in good shape and it drives, so now to clean it up and have everything in working order! Awesome machines from sitting in the weather for 4 plus years to starting right up with no problems but a fuse!
@@lgvmobile thats great, best part is you fixed it yourself. Awesome work.
@mrcbuilds yes its a good feeling diy, even better when the bike was free and left for junk. Thanks for posting great information 👍 I'm trying the plastic welding now! Thanks again!
lol, im a parts changer, no regrets with my bike though. it all needed to get replaced anyways
I still do it too, dont feel bad. Keep them running and mostly original and you will be just fine
Everything checks out expect from both of my ingition coils. How often do they go bad at the same time?
I would suspect the connection if 2 different ig. coils failed, that would be very odd. may be they are grounding out against the case?
Do you know where the pgm/CDI on 2007 honda rancher TRX420TE located?
Sorry, I do not, I would recommend download the manual for your bike, it will tell you where everything is located, and there free.
Wen i put my 1984 big red shalf in reverse from time to time it die like it not in neutral or like a kill switch any idea were ishud look.
Yes, it could be the reverse inhibitor. Its located under the left rear fender its a relay that kills the start circuit if its in reverse. disconnect the gray wire from the cdi that will bypass that system. Be warned you will be able to start the machine in reverse now.
Hi MRC, I am rebuilding a set of thrashed 200E bikes from 1982 and 1983. The 83 was a parts bike and is missing the front ignition system and headlight. I am trying to do some repairs on the wiring and found a fuse that’s got a pink wire on one end, and a yellow/red wire on the other. I’ve checked the wiring diagrams and forums online with no luck. Any idea what it is and why the other bikes don’t have that fuse?
Thats the accessories circuit. 82, 83 and 84 all should have it.
I have a huge problem with my x8 super pocket bike it starts up fine a 50cc super pocket bike but for one it move by its self and will gain up to 15 or 20mph with me even touching the throttle
And the other problem is if i give it over 10% throttle it bogs down and at 25-30% it cuts off i got a brand new carb and tuned it but it hasn’t changed anything im stuck thanks for any information in advance ill be sure to subscribe
Hi, it could be a couple of different things. I would adjust the valves, then I would check for a leak in the intake between the carb and head. With it running, spray the intake with carb cleaner, if the idle goes up you have a crack or leak. Then I would clean the carb. The primary jet sounds clogged. Lastly replace the plug with a new NGK brand.. thanks for watching and subscribing.
@@mrcbuilds do auto zone sell ngk spark plugs and I will do all also is it a certain spark plug I need ¿
Will these cdi work on Lt 250ef atv.thanks
Lt250ef?
So thanks for all the helpful info . Do you have a CDI for a 94 fourtrax 350 4x4 ? OEM.? Hm-5-505??? Idk . I think that's the part number
No sorry i dont.
Do you know which one is a reputable knock off for someone who can't afford the 200 dollar one ..
Or is there such a a thing
.@@mrcbuilds
@@JB-po2mv did you check with Dratv? Or mikes? Otherwise you can look on ebay for a seller with a high rating.
All 3 of my 250 big reds have the round plug. Will the new production round plug CDI boxes from smaller machines run well on the 250
are you sure your talking about a 250es and not a 200es, the 250es does not have a round plug best I remember. If you do have 200es like the one in the video or thumbnail then kind-of yes, you have to repin the plug using your machine pin arrangement. its not plug and play. I suggest convert to the square plug, hotter spark and cheap replacement cost.
@@mrcbuilds thanks for the reply all three of mine are 85 250 big reds. I will take your advisement on converting to square plug I was just curious if on from a smaller cc machine would run the 250 given they are the same plug... I have been enjoying your work keep it up thanks again.
Alright I have questions, 1984 Honda trx200(same wiring as a 200es, I had one of those for a while) so I have it no spark. I’ve gone through the steps to test the wiring like you suggested, everything ohms out within set limits, no spark. I have 3 cdi’ boxes laying around, with through a spark test on all three and no spark, I have two coils and swapped coils and spark plugs and repeated through all three cdi’s. No spark. All three are Chinese cheapo’s, should I try swapping to the ones you mentioned? I can’t even find the ends like you suggested on there. I’ve tracked electrical problems before but this is getting me
Have you disconnected the gray wire at the cdi? That's a in neutral safety.
@@mrcbuilds no, I’ll try that. I have been mechanically spinning it over and not getting spark, I didn’t think the grey wire effected anything but the actually starter
Just tried it with the grey wire disconnected, still nothing. My only understanding is I landed with 3 bad cdi’s.
Thank you for the awesome information!!!
Happy to help.
Are all the round plug CDIs the same? My 84 ATC200s has a round plug, but its not a big red , no reverse no electric start etc.
I have been told you can rewire and use a 200s on an 84 200es, i pesonally have not tried it. You will not use the gray wire if you try to ise your 200s cdi
Hello mrcbuilds I recently bought a 84 trx200 with no spark so I removed the stator and discovered oil ran out of it is this supposed to be wet with oil,I never saw that before from other stators I've taken apart thanks BTW your videos are great
Thank you, no the stator should be dry, maybe just a like film of oil but not dripping or wet, change the crank seal.
Are you referring to seal on the crankcase cover?
@@arvilmatlock7921 no there is a seal that the crank ride in behind the slotted hub the pull rope engages into
All I see is the chain and chain guides and the crank bearings,??
Is there anyway I can contact you or can you send a pixs exactly where that seal is located?I know I must sound like a goofball lol
My son has a 84 atc200 es Big red. His unit wasn't getting spark my neighbor said to boil the cdi and let it cool down and plug it in if it works its your cdi and it did work so we ordered one on Amazon they sent us the wrong one its round not square but it lights up the neutral and reverse light at the same time it shuts down the ignition is there anything I can do with this situation
Disconnect the grey wire from the back of the cdi. And re-test. Boiling electronics is never a good idea..
QUESTION: is there no power at the wire to the coil as long as the pulse trigger does not give a signal to the CDI?
Correct there is no constant power at the coil
I have a question for you,I have a 1995 big red , I recenty blew the 20 main fuse ,Could you tell me if it is a maxi or ato/atc fuse ?Thanks for your help.
1995? You mean 1985? Should be a blade style fuse on the 85 anything older should be a barrel style.
@@mrcbuilds Yea , sorry 1985. It is the blade typ but looks a little bigger that the Ato/ Atc , I will take it out and go check.
I found my answer and thank you..
Is there a way to directly test the cdi box.
I have not had any luck testing a cdi. I have read about guys who build custom circuit boards that can then test them, but as for just testing loads and continuity sorry no.
Sometimes I’m apart changer and some times I’m a Diagnoser and sometimes all you can do is replace parts so I don’t agree with that statement that’s like saying you can’t work on car unless your certified too 😂
It think finding what works for you is the most important part of any process. Thanks for watching and you do make a vaild point.
@@mrcbuilds appreciate the reply your a very helpful person
love that video , but my problem is very bizarre, i dont have spark when i have the killswitch on , but when i wiggle it on and off and on and off while pulling the rope , it sparks sometime. Any ideas ??
yeah, the switch is bad, lol, disconnect one side of the kill/run/kill circuit (green or black wire going to the switch)and it will run again. Think of that switch as an interrupter, the two wires are not touching (On) and two wires are touching (Off) it grounds the coil, killing the machine.
i did disconnect the ground from the swtich thinking it was grounding but no , still does the same thing@@mrcbuilds
@@mrcbuilds hey its my again , just got done with the diagnosis and every thing checks out , even the on/off switch so I’m out of ideas now haha !