Coils

[Justin B.]

I have had a couple of coil questions so I figured I'd re-post (on this forum) a pictoral comparo between the stocker and Dyna.

Here is the stock "Crack-O-Matic" coil, complete with crack:



and compared to the Dyna unit:



After fabbing a mounting bracket using part of the old coil and some aluminum angle stock:
  


One more time:



Finally, installed on bike:



A little closer shot:



I'll probably take this back off and raise the back of the coil about 3/8" higher to angle the wires up to keep from touching the timing chain cover, although I doubt it'll hurt anything.  AND, it's only a bit more than HALF what a new stock Bosch unit is!!  I think that's the best part!  

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Justin,

Ignition wires wear quickly when rubbing.  Wrap the wire with some white spiral plastic (teflon?) and keep those wires from wearing thin.  Trouble will only ensue otherwise.

BTW - Love the dyna though.  If I hadn't gone with the Bosch Blue yours is the next route I would have taken.

B.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

An old-time cure for the rubbing wire blues was cloth-braided fuel line.  I like the look.

[NC Steve]

Hi, first time here. Everything I've read says "fat, blue spark" at the plug is the way to go: I guess "puny yellow spark" is not a good thing.
Getting ready to go test resistance, although I'm pretty sure the stock coil on my '84 R65 is shot.
Can anyone suggest a good retailer of the Dyna "Brown" coil I've seen mentioned in several places, or have a part/model #?

Thanks much.

[Bob_Roller]

I bought my Dyna brown coil from Motorrad Elektrik about a month ago, for $80 and $6 for shipping. Took three days shipping time from around the Birmingham, Alabama to Phoenix.

[NC Steve]

Thanks, Bob.

From Motorrad's website ( http://www.motoelekt.com/ignition.htm ), it looks and reads like there's no additional bracketry to buy either, correct? Does the Dyna bolt right up using the 2 existing  holes and fasteners? Did you run into any problems?

Thanks again.

Steve

[Justin B.]

Steve, a bracket will either have to be purchased or fabricated.  I don't know if the coils from Motorad Elektrik come with the bracket or not.  I bought a pair of coils from http://www.mpsracing.com/products/Dyna/ig01aa.asp for $130.80, or $65.40 per coil, they sell single's for $72.  I figured I'd eventually need another as we have two other bikes with original dual coils.  :-?  But, if you aren't inclined to fabricate your own mounting bracket, and the M.E. coil comes with a bracket, they may be the better deal in your situation.

I just went back and re-read the ME web site and do see that the single coil comes with a bracket.  So, if you aren't a tinkerer at heart they may be the way to go - still considerably cheaper than the stock unit.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

NC Steve (and others) - in case you wonder what I edited in your most recent post, it was your link.  You needed a space between the end of the URL and your closing parenthese.

[NC Steve]

Hi Rob
Thanks for the edit, I wasn't sure why the link wasn't working myself!

And, checking the coil's primary resistance yielded a reading of .7 ohms, so it's definitely gone: much thanks to this link and the discussion started by Clutch on spark plugs for helping me to figure this one out.

Steve

[Bob_Roller]

NC Steve, sorry about not getting back to you sooner, but if you buy a coil without the adapter bracket, the Dyna will not fit, and unless you are good at bending sheetmetal it may turn into a project. The bracket that comes from Motorrad Elektrik bolts right on, you have to mount the bracket first to the frame, then install the coil to the bracket. Also the low voltage terminals should be pointed toward the center of the bike, if they are pointing away from the frame, when you install the tank, it will push the wires down and at least one of them will come in contact with the metal laminations of the coil and ground it out and the engine won't start ( not that I did that !). Takes about an hour to perform the installation. You may want to apply a very small amount of dielectric grease to the rubber boot of the ignition lead that goes over the output of the coil, this can be a bit tough to install dry. So if you break it down, it's $10 for the bracket and $70 for the coil, still alot better than an OEM unit.

[NC Steve]

Hey Bob, yeah I like that math better than that of the stock Bosch unit, and will definitely spring for the bracket too. Justin found the same coil for $72 w/o the bracket, but it's worth the $8 to me to have a bolt-on fix. I've emailed motorrad and plan to follow up with a call tomorrow.
Thanks again.

Steve

[NC Steve]

My new Dyna "brown" coil came today, along with a shiny new set of NGK wires and a pair of plugs.
Order on Monday, delivery on Wednesday: talk about service!! Even sent some detailed installation instructions.
Thanks, Bob Roller, for steering me to Motorrad Elektrik!

Now, if the weather gods will just hold off a few days, I might be able to get this thing fired up again by lunchtime Saturday.....

PS: And thank you too, Justin, for helping me figure out the problem and suggesting Dyna in the 1st place.

[Justin B.]

I hope it works out for ya.  And, remember, if it doesn't fix it I didn't say it WOULD but it MIGHT!    On my LS it was pretty much a no-brainer, no spark period and the primary showed completely open...  I may already have a home for the other coil as the wife's '84 has been getting harder to start and I'm sure it has the original coil...

Maybe post a different thread with a couple pics of the install and any issues you might run into.

[Bob_Roller]

My Dyna coil is going to gets it's real test tonight, forecast low tomorrow morning for Tempe , Az. is 30 F (but it's a dry cold!) got the battery on charge now and will remove it at 9 pm and take the bike and leave it outside all night and see what happens at 5 am. NC Steve I've done business with M E for about 9 years, and have always been satisfied with the service and components, and the willingness to offer help with electrical issues. You never did mention if you had the original gray or upgraded red coil.

[Bob_Roller]

It was 31 F. at 5am, the bike took 4 attempts but it did start. I think the 20w50 engine oil wasn't helping the situation. So the Dyna coil did solve my cold starting issue.