Motorcycle Repair: 1982 gl 1100 cuts out when warm, honda motorcycle, bill silver


Question
Hi... I just bought a 1982 gl 1100 goldwing and it runs very smoothly for about an hour then without any warning it looses spark to all cylinders and will not start again till cold...what can it be???
Dan

Answer
Dan, the main component that would kill the spark to all cylinders is the electronic ignition module. There could be issues with the pulse coil generator, as well. Of course a misbehaving KILL switch might be adding to the concerns, but that is rare.

http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/honda-motorcycle-gl1100-gold-wing-1... for details of the parts.

http://www.randakks.com/TechTip47.htm for spark unit failures, but that wouldn't kill all the ignition at once.

Probably the pulse coil generator, which would affect all cylinders.

There are GW websites that might have more specifics.

Here's one..  http://www.goldwingdocs.com/forum/

“All the electrical components can be inspected on the motorcycle. The ignition system has one pulse generator and transistorized spark unit for each pair of cylinders. Current is sent through the ignition coil primary circuit by the spark unit as the pulse generator rotor tooth approaches the generator tooth. When the rotor tooth just passes the generator tooth the primary circuit is broken causing the primary coil flux to collapse and secondary coil voltage rapidly raise, firing the spark plugs. Dwell time is just 0.2 - 0.4 milliseconds.”

Bill Silver