Can a bad CDI box cause weak spark?
Sometimes, a bad CDI does not cause sparks at all. Again, when a CDI box is about to go bad, it can lead to misfires, issues with starting, rough running or even stall the motor. Therefore, the only way you can tell whether your CDI has a problem is by confirming that everything else is in the right condition.
How can I tell if my MSD is producing a spark?
The following test will determine if your MSD is producing a spark. If you are using the White wire (points or electronic amplifier) of the MSD to trigger the ignition, follow these steps. Make sure the ignition switch is in the Off position.
What does the warning light on the dashboard mean?
Problems can still arise, though, and the first sign of trouble is often a warning light on the dashboard, such as a ‘check engine light’ flashing. Of all the warning lights that can appear from time to time, perhaps the most alarming is the engine warning light.
What happens to the spark plug when a stator goes bad?
The stator coil generates the power for the spark plug and other accessories on small engines Without a stator there would be no spark at all, meaning the engine won’t run. While a stator is dying, it can produce a weak spark, causing the engine to miss or run poorly.
Why does my MSD run even when the ignition is turned off?
If your engine continues to run even when the ignition is turned Off you are experiencing engine Run-On. This usually only occurs on older vehicles with an external voltage regulator. Because the MSD receives power directly from the battery, it does not require much current to keep the unit energized.
How to diagnose no spark or weak spark?
Diagnosing no spark, weak spark or intermittent spark issues First is separating the issue between switches or the primary ignition components like the stator, cdi, coils, trigger coil or possibly plugs or plug wires or plug caps.
What causes a no spark condition open loop?
If after unplugging the 4-plug connector there is no spark or the spark still looks weak, this tells you that the problem is in the major ignition components like the stator, coils, cdi, spark plugs, spark plug wires, possibly a short in the wiring harness, a bad trigger coil or on EFI models your Injector Coils are bad (they measure 19-20ohms).
What are the issues with a no spark motor?
Other issues related to a no spark/Weak Spark/Wet Plugs issue: Wrong flywheel on it. Sled was only running on one cylinder. Low side coil on his stator read 360 ohms and it should have measured 450 ohms. The low side coil was bad. It kept fouling plugs left and right. The guy before ran ethanol, and never told the current owner.
Is the spark plug of an ignition system passive?
Something else is going on, and there is a very strong possibility it is with the ignition. The ignition system is considered to be passive. The spark plug only takes from the ignition coil what it needs to create an arc across the plug’s electrodes.