QuestionHi Mark, I'm thinking of picking up a 92' Suzuki Bandit 400. It was bought new by some guy back in the day, and it only has 2000 miles on it, barely even broken in yet. They are offering it to me at a good price of 1000 dollars. The thing is, it's been sittin in the repair shop for about 7 years because it has little to no compressoin in the #2 and #4 cylinder. Do you think that this could be the black box? I heard there were some problems with them. Also, is that the same thing as the Igniter box? Thanks a lot.
AnswerHi Chad,
The black box and igniter are the same. Other names for this component includes; ECM, CDI, TCI, Brain, etc...
Cylinder compression is unaffected by the CDI unit. Ignition spark is affected by the CDI. Check for an arc on the spark plugs. Cylinders 1 & 4 share ignition coil and fire together, while cylinders 2 & 3 do same.
Low compression may be the result of worn or damaged valves, pistons, piston rings, cylinders, gaskets, and cylinder head.
A leak-down test will help determine the source of compression failure (faulty parts).
I recommend that you pass on this purchase and find a MC in good condition. You'll likely invest over $1000 in parts and labor repairing the Bandit's worn engine.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
