ignition problem
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,213
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs Village AR
ignition problem
Does anyone know the symptoms of a bad ignition I have a 1991 fxsts and I have a rapid back fire the carb has been ruled out and intake leaks anyone got any ideas Thanks and what are your opions on crane sigle for ignitions Thanks again
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 12
From: Bluffton, South Carolina
The Crane HI-4 is great for your V-Twin. Easy install just read the instruction. If you have any problem E-Mail me. Backfiring almost sounds like a bad connection/broken wire or switch somewhere in the ignition circuit. Hope this helps.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Before you go any further, check the ignition sender inside the timer cover. I had problems with my 1990 bike which did all manner of funny things until it failed completely. That was after I had fitted a Crane ignition module (but nothing to do with that)!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Mine had failed, so it was easy to find! There are several pages in Section 8 of the factory workshop manual describing the tests that can be done on the ignition system. I am not clever enough with electrics to describe them for you, sorry! What I did was rely on my local dealer to sort out my bike.
If you have a manual or know someone with one, you can decide if you are able to test it yourself, or do what I did and get an expert to look at it. The manual also describes other ignition system checks. If you are happy the carb is OK, that is the only other area to check.
I fitted a Crane ignition module to improve my bike as part of my Stage 1 mods. I live in the UK and to comply with International noise regulations (which in 1990 were tougher than the US ones) my bike had a strange ignition timing curve. The Crane sorted that out and made my bike run better.
If you have a manual or know someone with one, you can decide if you are able to test it yourself, or do what I did and get an expert to look at it. The manual also describes other ignition system checks. If you are happy the carb is OK, that is the only other area to check.
I fitted a Crane ignition module to improve my bike as part of my Stage 1 mods. I live in the UK and to comply with International noise regulations (which in 1990 were tougher than the US ones) my bike had a strange ignition timing curve. The Crane sorted that out and made my bike run better.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
From: California
I went through all kinds of issues with my ignition and learned a lot. Mine started to cut out when it got hot. Then I ended up loosing an entire cylinder but the other would run. I changed the coil, plugs, plug wires. Still not fixed. Well when I installed the new ignition module I found that the wiring to the coil, though the ignition switch, and from the module to the coil was "CUSTOM," and spliced in multiple places with poor connections. I was not getting a solid 12 Volts to the ign module or to the coil.
Now everything is hard wired, soldered, and shrink wrapped.
I have the Crane HI-4. I like it, don't know why, and probably not using it to its full potential. but I like it and can say I got one.
One way to trouble shoot if your not getting a full 12V to the coil is to put a jump wire from the + side of the Battery to the coil and see if all the symptoms go away. Put a disconnect in the middle of it or the bike won't shut off. I keep that little jump wire in my saddle bags just in case.
Now everything is hard wired, soldered, and shrink wrapped.
I have the Crane HI-4. I like it, don't know why, and probably not using it to its full potential. but I like it and can say I got one.
One way to trouble shoot if your not getting a full 12V to the coil is to put a jump wire from the + side of the Battery to the coil and see if all the symptoms go away. Put a disconnect in the middle of it or the bike won't shut off. I keep that little jump wire in my saddle bags just in case.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,952
Likes: 15
From: Senoia, Ga., by way of Miami, Fl..
Mine had a broken wire in the harness where it comes out of the cam housing. It finally quit, left me stranded and let me figure it out. Before that it was intermitent and frustrating.. Try wiggling the harness, lightly pulling on it, while the bike is idling. If that the problem, it may just show itself for you......
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,198
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
HGM, my bike did the exact same thing. It would intermitantly cut out on me, then get going again. Finally stopped altogether about 50 miles from home. I coasted to a motel parking lot. I thought it was the module, of which I had a spare in my saddlebag. Didn't help. So I took my wife's bike home and came back with the Truck. My wife found some "helpers" in the bar and they helped me push it up into the Truck, no easy task with a dresser. The wire was broken under the cone inside the insulation down by the frame.