Need some help guys. 93 softail custom, evo motor. Tonight while riding the bike just cut out while cruising, no issue with the lights or anything like that. I know it is not a gas issue as I smelled gas while cranking it and I had a half tank. Even put it on reserve and it wouldn't start for a while. After sitting for a while the bike started and ran for a couple of miles and then cut out again. It did this a couple of times and I was able to get her home. No spit and sputter just like you reached down and pulled the wires. I have a service manual and checked the coil and both the primary and secondary ohm reading were within limits. I will go thru the complete ignition ohm tests tomorrow.
Any ideas?

 

OK let's do a Dick Tracy:

Bike runs for a while then cuts out. Sits for a few minutes and restarts, then cuts out again a few miles later off and on, until you get it home.
Heat issue with coil?, then cools down enough to run-- coil heats up then cuts out again until a bit cooler?

Question-- did you do the coil test after it cooled down and got good readings?

Possibly coil gone bad-- will admit I'm guessing here but maybe it will get the more experienced members thinking.

Plese let us know when you get it figured out. Sorry I couldn't offer more help than this.

regards,
V2

 

Typically if the module goes out, it's out period, but go thru all the ohm tests as described in the manual. If everything checks good, try heating the timing sensor in the nose cone with a hair dryer and see if that recreates the problem. Also the area at, and around, where the wires go thru the nose cone are subject to break causing and intermitant problem, especially if they have been disturbed many times.

One last idea with which I've had several (bad) experiences - sometimes the kill switch will get a bit corroded, especially if you never use it. Most times you can flip it off and on several times and it'll clean itself and never give another problem.

Good luck

 

I have owned my 1990 bike from new. I suffered intermittent problems, not quite as you describe, but it proved to be the pickup inside the conical timer housing. Something else to consider! Best of luck. These problems can sometimes take some hunting down.

 

Well to answer the was the coil test done after it cooled down? Ya I would say so as it took a bit to get the bike up on the lift and I started fiddling with wires and switch's ect. So you might be on the right track here.
I installed a Accel coil and Ignition module back in 94 and still have the originals. Will install these both today and see what the out come is.

 

i would check the ignition circuit breaker first. they get weak and then they start to break the circuit. auto zone has them for about $8. any auto parts store should have them.

 

Well after reinstalling the original coil and ignition module. I just returned from a couple hour ride with my son and all is well. So time will tell if this was the issue. I am betting on the coil.

 

Did you ohm out the Accel stuff before you replaced it?

 

I have checked the coil, both the primary and secondary ohm readings were within limits. But put the originals back on and its been good so far. The coil might have been failing when it was hot???

 

Definite possibility on the coil/heat, and there are 2 more components - the pickup and the module. I wasn't clear on my last few posts, sorry. Main thing is it's "on all fours" again