spark units

[rider3]

I am in the process of trying to get a 79 cbx back on the road after it had been sitting for about 20 yrs ( barn find ). One of the things I've noticed is that the spark units have leaked a black goo over the catch tank and swingarm. Is this an indication that they have overheated and failed or is it a common occurance. The bike had around 26k on it when parked. Also are replacement units available or is it best to go with an aftermarket ignition

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Welcome to the site.
Always great to hear about one getting back on the road.
The spark units will continue to function despite the mess from the black tar. It is a fairly common occurrence.
There are aftermarket replacements but they are expensive. Personally i would go with an aftermarket ignition instead of replacing the spark units.

[Mike Cecchini]

It's very common to see this black goo drool from these ignition boxes.......and it's been a sign that the boxes are getting too hot and can be that they are on their way out......but it could take weeks, months or years (pick one) for them to fail.

I had them puke on my 80X for the past 5 yrs without issue......but I finally got tired of it all and installed a Dyna ignition that completely eliminates these boxes completely.......and for peace of mind. http://www.timscbx.com/Eng%20page%207.html

The installation of the Dyna ignition is a snap and the unplugging of the CBX ignition boxes is a 5 min affair, so I left everything in place.....just unplugged the ignition boxes and capped off the electrical plugs so they stayed clean .......and installed the Dyna ignition which was direct replacement of the trigger assembly.... 10 mins..... then hooked up the Dyna wires.... 10 mins......then fired up the bike to check the timing with a strobe light....2 mins. It's a snap.

If and when I ever want to go back to the original ignition boxes.....everything is still right there and it's plug and play back to original.

[daves79x]

Rider:
Welcome! Advise given is good. Just clean up the goo the best you can and it should continue working - most do. I'm just up the road from you. Be glad to help you out if/when you have questions.

Dave

[EMS]

If you are desperate to replace them, use the later spark units with the red shrink wrap around the wiring. They are leak proof, however, you need to wire them in differently because they are single units, not the 3-pack like the original 79/80 ones. I can tell you how to make a pigtail to adapt them or sell you one. You will have to wait until I get back home, first week of April.

[rider3]

Thanks for the advice, is there any way to test the units short of trying to fire up the bike.