How do you know when a CDI goes bad?

[mkramm]

Just curious, if there are tell tail signs. Like wont run at all no spark, or is there levels of intermittent?

[TeCaTe_MaN]

ittl act just like if the stator goes out, it wont run, no power

[Billy Bob]

yeah she wont run, but actually when my cdi goes i can see a very small spark on the plug, i dont know, but it could be from left over charge in the coil or sumting, becasue they do work as a capasitor and hold voltage right? n e way thats what i noticed, and when i changed the cdi, it ran again...

[jeswinehart]

what kind of machine mkramm ???

john

[TG]

, but it could be from left over charge in the coil or sumting, becasue they do work as a capasitor and hold voltage right? n...

Thats coming from the capacitor in the CDi, it holds the charge. The coil doesnt hold any when the engine is still. Take that old CDI apart and look for the bad solder joints. Then when you fix them, got a spare cDI. If its broke, cant hurt it by taking it apart. Gonna break it more??? NOT!

[yamaha225dx]

will the cdi work for a little while and then cut out after warmed or will it just not work?? my friends bayou is having problems....

[hondaATCman]

You'll know when you're riding in the moutains and it quits and won't restart and you don't have a cell phone with you. :D Nah, if I think there is the slightest problem with my electrical devices, I pull out my manual and tester and and start checking them all.

[TeCaTe_MaN]

i was riding my trike and my stator went out 3 miles from my house....and no phone....i had to push it 3 miles back to my house :( :D

[hondaATCman]

And how many dirty words did you say on your way back home??? :D :D Thats some damn nasty bad luck. Hope mine never does that!!

[TeCaTe_MaN]

i lost count :-P but i know it was quite a few and it was dark also....

[roger86200x]

Lol, that sucks! I had a chain break about 3 miles out in the mud.... it sucked I started back and got about half way...then i said the hell with it and left it and walked, but then my brother came by and we rode home and got a rope.... also I had a throttle break twice and had 2 idel home once 1 mile and once 5 miles...lol very slow... and THEN I had my 85 200x stall and it dont like to restart hot...no tool box either to change plug! so I have had my share too LOL

But anyways I have heard of a CDI go bad and still work, but very very shittily (my own word) lol but it will start but not run for crap!