Ironhead Help with no spark...

[iron227]

I have 12v with just hot on left side of coil on both sides...also I tested end to end of both spark plug wires 0 ohm short...when I said that I rmvd boots from plug wires it was to ensure that they where completely into coil... I then tried voltage check ther and have 0 volts... Should there be volts here or not???

[2007Low]

Originally Posted by iron227

I have 12v with just hot on left side of coil on both sides...also I tested end to end of both spark plug wires 0 ohm short...when I said that I rmvd boots from plug wires it was to ensure that they where completely into coil... I then tried voltage check ther and have 0 volts... Should there be volts here or not???

The left side of the coil gets a 12 volt input, the right side gets momentarily grounded by what ever you have for a breaker, EI or points, this is the primary circuit. When the breaker breaks the circuit, a voltage is induced by the primary into the secondary circuit, ie the two plug wires.

To test the ignition coil, disconnect all wires. Put the ohmmeter across the two threaded studs and you should see 3 to 5 ohms, depending on which coil you have. That is the primary circuit test. Then put the ohmmeter leads into the spark plug wire holes and you should see about 18,000 ohms. That is the secondary circuit.

[98ultra]

12v on one side of the coil. The side with TWO wires.

The other side of the coil (with the BLUE wire from the Dyna S) will go from 12v to 0v as the engine is turned over.

DOES THIS HAPPEN?? YES OR NO??

If no, the Dyna S is bad or the wire from it to the coil is bad.

[iron227]

No just drops to about 8...as I mentioned above the weights behind the dyna s don't move outward when I push start button??? I think they should be moving outward yes or no?? Maybe that is prob or maybe not???

[98ultra]

I don't think 8 is a big enough drop. I cleaned a bunch of metal filings off of mine and it then dropped the voltage lower. I had forgotten about that.

If it doesn't drop close to 0v, pick up a set of points and a condenser for a chevy truck in-line six. That should get you going.

Does the Dyna have a bunch of rust looking stuff on it? Mine did and wasn't wanting to start. I cleaned that off and it worked fine.

The fly weights don't fly out until it gets moving fast. Cyntrifical force spins them out, the springs hold them in.

[iron227]

Cool info on flyweights... I was wondering if they were the issue or not... Now the next question... If we are agreeing that it is the dyna s... Do I replace wih points...dyna s single or dual... Ihav read many debates and I feel like possibly points is the route I'm gonna go but I also like the dyna s dual fire simplicity... Although I think that I have become addicted to tinkering with my iron... I am open to all suggestions and links to where I can get best deal... Thanks all... Let's cross fingers and hope this is what gets me Rollin!!!

[98ultra]

Points are easy. You can file them on the side of the road and then adjust them with a matchbook cover. You may not find a matchbook any more though. They do NOT fire if they get wet.

I run the Dyna S Dual fire. It works in the rain with no cover over it. Single fire is more expensive and probably not necessary unless you plan on racing. I got mine off E-bay.

A local Indy usually matches or beats the best price I can find, that way I keep the money local. Gotta get to work now. Later.

[iron227]

Dyna s dual fire...one....

[ezmerf]

Points you can even get them at the parts store here in Booneville Ms. No help with Dyna's do what you like but you said you liked tinkering with the ole girl.Yeah they'll put you though a lot of pain but pay you back with some the most awesome riding you'll do when you stop a crowd will gather to see what the hell that loud old machine is.I tried EI it let me down so I said I think I like the K.I.S.S.rule keep it simple stupid.Hope you many miles of safe riding

[98ultra]

Points are simple once you understand how they work. Had many a car with points back in the day. Usually changed them about twice a year.

Biggest reason I changed to the Dyna S was getting the points wet and then no fire. I have a small crack by the cover and mine will never seal.
Points can carbon up and leave you working on the side of the road for a few minutes, if you have tools. File the points and roll on. The Dyna will either work or not. If it goes out, not a quick fix probably. But, I guess I could still go buy points and condenser and be good to go.
Points can change the gap some over time where the Dyna won't.


Is your Dyna covered in red dust? If so, clean it all off and see if the voltage will drop to near 0 then. Mine did.

Think I'll go ride my Ironhead to Hooters and have a beer or three.