Are all CDI boxes the same?
Are CDI boxes interchangeable? Because ignition characteristics (particularly timing) vary widely across vehicle models, there’s no one CDI box that can cover them all. The CDI must be matched to the engine that’s being worked on. The CDI boxes in these systems are not interchangeable.
How can you tell the difference between AC and DC CDI?
Your CDI has two plugs, a 4-pin and a 2-pin. The 4-pin side may have 3 or 4 wires connected to it (both AC and DC versions). If the 2-pin connector has only 1 wire going to it, it’s a DC CDI. If there are 2 wires attached to the 2-pin connector, then it’s an AC CDI.
Which is better AC CDI or DC CDI?
There is no CDI system that can be said to be better than the other but each is good in different situations. The DC-CDI works well in areas where there is extreme cold temperatures and is very precise during ignition. The AC-CDI on the other hand, is simpler and rarely runs into problems.
What’s the difference between a CDI and CDI box?
Thanks again. The main difference in CDI boxes is at what RPM it starts advancing the timing. That schematic has only one pickup, so it’s got to be either mechanical timing advance, or done inside the CDI box entirely. I’ve only messed with the CDI on my 80 XT500.
Where can I get a replacement CDI box?
Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc offers both OEM style and Hot Shot Series aftermarket replacement CDI boxes. The only real way to test your CDI box is to swap it out with another known good unit from the same year/make/model.
Where does the CDI box amplify the signal?
The box amplifies the small signal generated from the spinning magnet located in front of the pickup coil in the stator, just before top dead center (TDC), when your fuel-air mixture is ignited. The box can’t generate continuous sparks.
Can you replace a CDI box at Rick’s Motorsport?
Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc offers both OEM style and Hot Shot Series aftermarket replacement CDI boxes. The only real way to test your CDI box is to swap it out with another known good unit from the same year/make/model. Because of this, we recommend that you rule everything else out before replacing the CDI box.
Thanks again. The main difference in CDI boxes is at what RPM it starts advancing the timing. That schematic has only one pickup, so it’s got to be either mechanical timing advance, or done inside the CDI box entirely. I’ve only messed with the CDI on my 80 XT500.
What does the trigger on a CDI box do?
The trigger tells the box to fire, the box determines when to fire which coil with the capacitors, and zap goes the spark plug, ad infinitum. In addition to dischargin’ those capacitors, the box may also influence your rev limit, timing advance, and other variables related to spark, but that’s it.
Rick’s Motorsport Electrics, Inc offers both OEM style and Hot Shot Series aftermarket replacement CDI boxes. The only real way to test your CDI box is to swap it out with another known good unit from the same year/make/model.
The box amplifies the small signal generated from the spinning magnet located in front of the pickup coil in the stator, just before top dead center (TDC), when your fuel-air mixture is ignited. The box can’t generate continuous sparks.