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Ignition Module Question

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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 09:38 AM
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Hey folks. So I'm only getting fire on one cylinder with the stock ignition module and coil. It's on a 99 Softail EVO and from what I gather from reading and talking to mechanics, it's the module. The question I have is, has any one ever replaced theirs and if so do you suggest going back to stock or buying aftermarket. If aftermarket, do I need to get a single fire or dual fire? What's the advantages and disadvantages to the single or dual?
 
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 09:55 AM
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If your gonna replace your ignition module go aftermarket or screamin eagle, about the same cost as stock plus you get more bang for your buck. I got the dyna2000 HDE module and love it, I stuck with dual fire instead of single... You'll get a lot of opinions on either or.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 01:07 PM
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I replaced mine with dyna 2k and noticed the difference right away. I didn't replace mine because there was a problem, I just thought after 20 years my bike deserved an upgrade.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2012 | 01:19 PM
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Originally Posted by jimjam31
Hey folks. So I'm only getting fire on one cylinder with the stock ignition module and coil. It's on a 99 Softail EVO and from what I gather from reading and talking to mechanics, it's the module. The question I have is, has any one ever replaced theirs and if so do you suggest going back to stock or buying aftermarket. If aftermarket, do I need to get a single fire or dual fire? What's the advantages and disadvantages to the single or dual?
I'm so glad you asked this question better then I could. I'd like to know the advantages / disadvantages of single fire and double fire ignition modules as well as I'm looking to upgrade.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 10:02 AM
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single fire puts all the spark to one plug at a time, instead of spltting it in half. single fire can also run smoother, with less vibration.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by pjb
single fire puts all the spark to one plug at a time, instead of spltting it in half. single fire can also run smoother, with less vibration.
I talked to mechanic today about this very question...

The question I asked was: Can you explain the difference and the advantages and disadvantages between double fire and single fire ignition modules.

His response was this:

A dual fire ignition module fires twice each cylinder, once at the top of the combustion stoke and a second time while on the exhaust stroke.

The theory behind a single fire is that the second fire is a waste and therefore single fire ignition is more efficient.

He claims unless you were running a high HP monster there would be no difference.

He also stated that an aftermarket ignition module "should" make no difference unless the current module was not working correctly.

I'm not saying a beleive this, I'm only posting it in the hopes of getting clarification and a better understanding. Honestly I have come to trust the information shared by the people here more then my mechanic which I've talked to for a total of fifteen minutes.
 

Last edited by FXD_One; Jan 20, 2012 at 11:13 AM.
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 11:24 AM
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aftermarket is tuneable, factory is not.
dual fire, fires both plugs everytime. once when needed, once when not.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 02:21 PM
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It is a myth that dual fire is inefficient, the system is designed to give adequate spark at both plugs and spark size has very little to do with power output unless the spark is so compromised that it can't ignite the gas, gas explodes once lit, you just need enough spark to light it.

I have fitted single fire systems for people and couldn't tell the difference...now a tuneable module...that IS a good thing :-)
 
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Old Jan 20, 2012 | 03:16 PM
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The firing voltage in a dual fire system is actually higher than in single fire system. The second sparkplug gap that has to be jumped to make the circuit forces the coil to saturate more deeply and that and the extra distance makes the voltage higher to the plugs.
Shittin' Chicken modules increase the rev limit and some have different curves. Aftermarket ones are more adjustable and more apt to be misadjusted.
 
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Old Jan 23, 2012 | 10:18 AM
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when my module went south, my mechanic replaced it with a crane cam ignition - I'm pretty sure it's a dual fire - they claimed (and I trust my mechanic to work on MY bike for MY type of riding) that single fire/dual fire won't make much difference unless on a racing/performance type application. I like the idea of everything in one little package - it bypasses the voltage regulator under the seat, which I removed completely.
 
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