No spark
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 102
Likes: 17
From: NY
No spark
Went from starting very well no nothing now. Points look good and I will check with a feeler gauge. No broken wires, good battery, good plugs, new switch etc. I ground a plug to the head and there is no spark.
I assume the only two things are the condenser or coil? Both parts are in excess of 25 years old and have been sitting that long. Any way to test either part before I buy new and throw parts at it?
I assume the only two things are the condenser or coil? Both parts are in excess of 25 years old and have been sitting that long. Any way to test either part before I buy new and throw parts at it?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,028
Likes: 7,549
From: Poolville
Make sure you have 12v power to the coil. with an Ohm meter measure the resistance of the primary side of the coil, should be 4.8-5.0 ohm's. Secondary should be around 10k ohm's.. If both of those are good replace the condenser..
Here's a video I mad a long time ago to test the coil, wires and plugs..
Here's a video I mad a long time ago to test the coil, wires and plugs..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,565
Likes: 3,318
From: Cental, MI
Take the condenser Out..then try for Spark..tho I have Never had a Condenser go bad via Shorted..I guess it is Possible.. bad condensers generally let the bike start and Idle..but, No Acceleration at all!!!
My Bet is points are Not clean and/or adjusted,.. especially if been sitting...not came on suddenly...which is probably something else..like possibly failed coil
My Bet is points are Not clean and/or adjusted,.. especially if been sitting...not came on suddenly...which is probably something else..like possibly failed coil
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,034
Likes: 12,562
From: South Carolina
With the scarceness of quality condensers available these days, I would install an electronic ignition system (if it were my bike).
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 102
Likes: 17
From: NY
Any suggestions on brand of electric ignition? Any idea on cost? My bike is far from OEM wiring is my main concern. Then having to fight and re time the motor.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,034
Likes: 12,562
From: South Carolina
Electronic ignition is install, adjust, and forget.
No mechanical advance unit to fail.
The original ignition system on my 1989 Softail lasted over 30 years (never needing any maintenance) before developing a very intermittent misfire.
I replaced it with a Dynatek 2000i, the bike still has the original ignition coil.
My `89 Softail is not a hot rod or high performance bike, just a fun bike to ride that starts up every time I`m ready to go.
No mechanical advance unit to fail.
The original ignition system on my 1989 Softail lasted over 30 years (never needing any maintenance) before developing a very intermittent misfire.
I replaced it with a Dynatek 2000i, the bike still has the original ignition coil.
My `89 Softail is not a hot rod or high performance bike, just a fun bike to ride that starts up every time I`m ready to go.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 2, 2025 at 06:11 PM.
