Motorcycle Training Forum

[Kaine2007]

HI everone! just need some advice. I recently passed my test (thanks to rob) and have gone and bought a 1988 Kawasaki ER250 as a restoration project for me and my bro. Just one problem though - the engine wont start. I have got a new battery which it needed and replaced both spark plugs and there is no spark at all on either sparkplug.
I am thinking it could be the coils but how likely is it both coils would fail?
if you have any ideas that could help me please inform me and i can hopefully get the thing going!

Many Thanks.

Kaine!

[rjh_786Bn]

Ian AKA yorkie 1200 and Paul AKA retro are knowledgable in this subject

Glad to hear you are sorted with a bike Any pictures for now and when completed?

[retro]

Hi Kaine
I would be suprised if both coils have gone
electrics aren't my best subject.
I'd try and check back from the coils to cdi
check wiring for any earthing
could be faulty kill switch or ignition ,or the wires from switches broke or earthing
paul

[yorkie 1200]

Is it turning over
do you have ignition lights
is the kill switch in the run position
when you replaced battery did you put all the wires back on
did you clean them
are the fuses ok
it really is a process of elimination where you need to check the
wires from key to battery to engine
if it as been standing awhile some wires could be corroded
if it as been parked up when did it last run
why was it parked up

[Kaine2007]

Heres from the very beggining: i bought the bike and the owner claimed he didnt know anthing about the bike - so for £100 i took my chances. It has been stood for a while as the front caliper had seized etc. I got it home and noticed the battery was dead straight away so went out and bought a new one.

After replacing the battery i then checked everything worked - which it did, headlights, indicators, brake light etc. Although i couldnt try and start the enigne because the starter button is missing for some reason (found out sticking a screwdriver in the hole does the trick) All the electrics seemed fine. After that me and my bro tried bump starting it - with no luck.

After sticking the screwdriver in the start button hole the starter motor works and the engine turns over but there is just no spark. I have not gone through all the electrics bit by bit but have cleaned some connectors and earths.

I recently just bought a 2nd hand C.D.I (ECU) unit off a working bike from ebay for cheap and still no spark.

Which is the point im upto now.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... C00773.jpg
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... C00772.jpg
(Sorry bout the Essay guys)

Cheers.

Kaine.

[yorkie 1200]

so you still need to check if you got power to the cdi
then to the coil
make sure your fuses are ok
if you can (with a couple of wires)see if you got electric going in to coil if yes then take ht lead out of coil (spark pug side they should screw out)and check for spark(stick wire in here and hold it to earth )
it could be something simple like your ht leads are perished inside

[yorkie 1200]

Just seen the pictures
That is a sorry looking bike looks like you've got your
work cut out there

[Kaine2007]

lol - the bike does look in a sorry state - but with a bit of TLC im sure it will be good as new

Thanks for the advice will try that on friday and ill let you know how i get on. Just out of curiosity have you restored any bikes yourself?

Kaine.

[Kaine2007]

Hi guys. Just to give an update: i went to see if i had power going to the coils and it appears that i dont. Would you say the Regulator Rectifier has something to do with it? I am going to take the loom out on monday and clean up all the connections. Also here is a wiring diagram of the bike - its not the best by any means.

http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee19 ... 50-305.jpg

Cheers,

Kaine

[Kaine2007]

Hi - just giving a final update, managed to get a spark on the plugs today. Turns out the stator coil had gone on it. so for £40 managed to get some life into it!

Thanks for your help evry1.

Kaine.

[rjh_786Bn]

Glad to hear that Kaine, so when are you going to get the bike on the road?

[Kaine2007]

Not to sure yet. going to spend the winter cleaning it up, getting rid of the rust and painting parts etc. Ill let you know when its in a road worthy condition.

[yorkie 1200]

Glad you got it running ok
now doing the rest of the bike up wont be so bad
what i do is make at list of things that need to be done
then tick them off one at a time
first thing i do is check all the stuff for the mot first
brakes/tyres/electrics/lights/suspension/
keep them fork gaiters on the front forks
as they will hide a couple of things that might need doing

[rjh_786Bn]

Hi Ian,
You should get over and give Paul a hand, you both know what you are doing? Have you been over to look at the RD progress?

[yorkie 1200]

i hear the rd renovation is going really well
and if retro needs a hand putting her back together
so he dont scratch anything i would be willing to help