GT185 ignition coil issues

All to do with wiring, charging or just trying to figure out whats gone wrong.

Moderators: oldjapanesebikes, H2RICK, diamondj, Suzsmokeyallan

Post Reply
carsonwcram
On the street
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:54 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 74 GT185, 75 GT185
Location: Wilmington, NC

GT185 ignition coil issues

Post by carsonwcram »

The right coil works fine, great spark, fires in time. the left coil is a bust, and i thought it was the coil, so i swapped it with one i knew that worked, and still no spark.

But here's the weird part, I'm getting a reading right around 12 volts on my multimeter at the plug boot, but no spark. What could cause this? I"m thinking that the wiring is shorted somewhere and it grounds out under load maybe?

I haven't gone through and chased the wire yet, i was kind of hoping someone would give me an easier solution before i starting slicing open heat shrink.

Thanks
1974 Suzuki GT185
1975 Suzuki GT185
1971 Honda CL350
!972 Kawasaki F7 175
User avatar
jabcb
Moto GP
Posts: 4241
Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
Location: southwestern Pennsylvania

Re: GT185 ignition coil issues

Post by jabcb »

The GT185 wiring diagram is here: download/file.php?id=827

No need to cut any heat shink.

At the coil to wiring harness connector, check the voltage for both wires for each coil. Do this with the points open & closed.
(A metal paper clip or stand of wire wrapped around the multimeter probe may make it easier to get the readings.)

Check the voltage at the points (on the moveable point) with the points open & closed.

A comparison of the good & bad sides should give you some idea where the problem is.

Also could check the coil primary & secondary resistance just to make sure the good coil is actually good.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more

Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
carsonwcram
On the street
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Mar 13, 2013 3:54 pm
Country: USA
Suzuki 2-Strokes: 74 GT185, 75 GT185
Location: Wilmington, NC

Re: GT185 ignition coil issues

Post by carsonwcram »

I found the problem, the plastic? plate that kind holds everything together between the points plate and the actual magneto cracked and split, which led to all types of mayhem. brushes breaking, wires rubbing and melting. Just a whole bunch of destruction. I could rebuild it, but i have a parts bike with a good one but bad brushes so i just went ahead and found a decently cheap stator on ebay.

I should be rolling smooth soon. Pictures to come.
1974 Suzuki GT185
1975 Suzuki GT185
1971 Honda CL350
!972 Kawasaki F7 175
Post Reply