Spark units

[samuk]

Here are my spark unit, read somewhere that this might not be a sign of failure or degradation, any thoughts?

Also on the same subject, if I were to replace it, which aftermarket will you recommend, i found so far:
1. Ricks
2. Pazon
3. Marktronics
Any pros and cons on those units?
Cheers

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

They may still work with the black goo melting out of the units.
'81/'82 Pro-Link spark units will work and won't make a mess.

If you wanting to buy aftermarket i would get an aftermarket ignition system instead and eliminate the spark units.
C5 and Dyna make systems for our bikes.

[Larry Zimmer]

C5 a bit expensive. However, they do look modern tech. Disclaimer: Have not used them personally.

[samuk]

Thanks guys

The C5 is the only one available, the Dyna is no longer offered.....

I guess not much of a choice

cheers

[samuk]

Here is what I found:

- C5 Ignition:
JH-1006 6 CYL CBX1000 - REPLACES SPARK BOXES AND ALL HONDA IGNITION PARTS. THIS IS A COMPLETELY NEW IGNITION KIT. Ignition kit, MC-2 high voltage coils, and spark plug leads. Pretty much Complete : $729.00
http://www.c5ignitions.com/motorcycle-ignitions.html
http://www.c5ignitions.com/uploads/1/5/ ... _coils.pdf

- Dyna:
Its only offered by Tim Intl - comes in pieces, for comparison reasons:
SPK118 - DYNA S IGNITION, '79 - '82 INCL. INSTRUCTIONS--ELIMINATES THE SPARK UNITS WHICH ARE STARTING TO GO BAD ON ALL CBXS - $289
SPK119 - DYNA S IGNITION COILS, 3 OHM, '79 - '82 SET OF 3 - $239
SPK121 - Dyna 8 mm Spark Plug Wires - $70
Total $598 - not quite sure its all thats required to be similar to the C5 unit.

http://www.timscbx.com/Eng%20page%207.html
http://www.timscbx.com/PDF%20docs/DynaI ... nStock.pdf
http://www.timscbx.com/PDF%20docs/DynaInstallation.pdf

[Larry Zimmer]

I think new replacement units might be available from Pazon. Check their website. Also, consider finding some units from the 81/82 prolink. These can work with some wiring revision. Here's a good reference for that wiring: viewtopic.php?f=21&t=7473 This might be the least expensive option. Although, possibly a bit more 'modification'.

[samuk]

Larry, thanks you very much, decided to go with a full new version. will explain in detail some time later....

[Larry Zimmer]

Good, Samuk. Just wanted to be certain you had as many options as we all could show you. Have fun with your CBX.

[Jmichaelb]

I realize this is an old thread but I would like to know the typical symptoms of a bad spark unit and a way to test them if possible.
Thanks

[cbxchris]

I realize this is an old thread but I would like to know the typical symptoms of a bad spark unit and a way to test them if possible.
Thanks

In the hot weather, mine started to break down, so junked compete system, have got Dyna now, brilliant, tried C5 but did not work for me !

[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

I realize this is an old thread but I would like to know the typical symptoms of a bad spark unit and a way to test them if possible.
Thanks

A bad spark unit could act along the lines of a bad coil or cracked plug cap, a poor spark leading to poor performance.
A search turns up people asking about ignition timing, low rpm carb problems, all things that could behave similar to a spark unit going south.
Some reading from Mr. Nixon about CBX electrics might help. https://www.motorcycleproject.com/text/trilogy02.html

[Jmichaelb]

Thanks. I will check it out. After a long run at about 90 it came down acting like it dropped a cylinder. Plugs all show a nice golden brown burn. My gut tells me electrical.

[daves79x]

The bike will drop 2 cylinders when a unit goes bad. Easy to feel and diagnose, just see which 2 pipes are cooler. Usually 2/5 unit goes first. Many will run fine until good and warm, then cut out 2 cylinders.

Dave

[Jmichaelb]

Is it worth the trouble of replacing the bad one only or should I replace all three?

[daves79x]

If you want to go to the trouble of digging the bad one out and splicing a new one in, guys have done that. A lot of trouble and you have to identify for sure which one it is. I’d spring for a whole new aftermarket unit.

Dave