Motorcycle Repair: ignition coil, spark plug wires, cb series


Question
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Followup To
Question -
I'm building a large go-kart with a Honda CB750e engine. I don't have the exact year but I need to relocate the ignition coil and will need longer wires (not to mention they are cracked). Is it possible to remove the existing wires or are they hardwired. I'd hate to try and break something in the attempt. If it is hardwired, can I splice them to extend the wire?
the numbers on the engine are:
cb750e-2437033

Ross
Answer -
Hi Ross.
 Those wires are hard wired to the coils.  You could splice more wire on, but I do not recommend it.  The alternative would be to get a set of aftermarket coils that match the ones that you have.  Check the resistances on them and match them against the ratings of the available aftermarket coils or take the engine # to a dealership and see if he can find the year and correct aftermarket coils.  With aftermarket coils, you can put as long or short a wire on as you may need.

Good luck.
FALCON

I got a respose from another of you ALLEXPERT people with a different answer which I hope is right. here it is

Hi Ross,

AllExperts is down for server maintenance, so I decided to email you a reply. I'll send a brief reply to the actual AllExperts question later.

The secondary wires are removable. You can buy bulk wire from most MC dealerships. They may have to order it. Splicing the wires won't last and will not be reliable while it works.

Check around on Ebay for ignition coils if necessary. They don't have to be Honda brand. Almost any coil will work as long as the primary & secondary terminals match and they are about the same size.

Mark



Do you have any documentation that prooves either way? Please help. How do I determine if they do myself without breaking them?

Ross

Answer
Hi Ross.
 Well, the easiest way to find out would be on the coils themselves.  To the best of my knowledge, all of the CB series engines had the spark plug wires hardwired to the coils.  However, if there is a gnurled cap where the spark plug wire comes out of the coil, then the wire will be removable.

The only way to know absolutely, will be to take the coil and engine number to a dealership and ask the mechanic there.  He has the references to be able to know for certain.  I do not have the reference books to research engine years and models, so that is the best advice that I can give you on that.

Good luck.
FALCON