Old school ignition

Goose51683 · 07-22-2013, 06:50 PM

Okay so I'm going through a bit of a time with the electrical side of my ignition and it got me to thinking, how did they used to control ignition prior to electronics.

Could I slap a magnet on my generator or some other mechanism that would close a switch that went from my battery straight to my igniton coil or even straight to my spark plug?

Water Warrior 2 · 07-22-2013, 07:36 PM

Points and condenser with a method of opening and closing the points with adjustments that had to be spot on. A coil/power pack and assorted wiring. There was a little rubbing block on the points that wore down and messed with the timing. I was never good with tune ups and welcomed the more modern stuff with open arms.

Goose51683 · 07-22-2013, 11:51 PM

I understand the improved reliability but I really appreciate systems where I can still repair everything as compared to buying a new or used part that is incredibly overpriced simply because no one can fix the old ones.

Water Warrior 2 · 07-23-2013, 02:34 AM

We have become a world of consumers. We use stuff and just replace it when it breaks.

Goose51683 · 07-23-2013, 06:27 AM

I can't argue with you there

ElecEngr · 09-06-2013, 01:33 AM

i am working on a replacement CDI for the 250. the stock units are CRAZY expensive!

raul10141964 · 09-08-2013, 09:16 PM

Chines scooter CDI may work
GZ diagrame

Chines scooter DC CDI

JohnC · 09-09-2013, 10:53 PM

You might get it to work, but one function of the CDI is to provide the spark advance. The likelihood that the advance curves would be the same is pretty low. Not that it wouldn't work, but it might mean a performance hit or you might find you suddenly need high test gas. Best if someone could run a comparison first.

07-22-2013, 06:50 PM	#1
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Old school ignition Okay so I'm going through a bit of a time with the electrical side of my ignition and it got me to thinking, how did they used to control ignition prior to electronics. Could I slap a magnet on my generator or some other mechanism that would close a switch that went from my battery straight to my igniton coil or even straight to my spark plug? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-22-2013, 07:36 PM	#2
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Old school ignition Points and condenser with a method of opening and closing the points with adjustments that had to be spot on. A coil/power pack and assorted wiring. There was a little rubbing block on the points that wore down and messed with the timing. I was never good with tune ups and welcomed the more modern stuff with open arms.
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07-22-2013, 11:51 PM	#3
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Re: Old school ignition I understand the improved reliability but I really appreciate systems where I can still repair everything as compared to buying a new or used part that is incredibly overpriced simply because no one can fix the old ones. Login or Register to Remove Ads
	0

07-23-2013, 02:34 AM	#4
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	Re: Old school ignition We have become a world of consumers. We use stuff and just replace it when it breaks.
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07-23-2013, 06:27 AM	#5
Goose51683 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Indiana Posts: 621	Re: Old school ignition I can't argue with you there Login or Register to Remove Ads
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09-06-2013, 01:33 AM	#6
ElecEngr Junior Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Tennessee Posts: 2	Re: Old school ignition i am working on a replacement CDI for the 250. the stock units are CRAZY expensive!
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09-08-2013, 09:16 PM	#7
raul10141964 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 369	Re: Old school ignition Chines scooter CDI may work GZ diagrame Chines scooter DC CDI
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09-09-2013, 10:53 PM	#8
JohnC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 127	Re: Old school ignition You might get it to work, but one function of the CDI is to provide the spark advance. The likelihood that the advance curves would be the same is pretty low. Not that it wouldn't work, but it might mean a performance hit or you might find you suddenly need high test gas. Best if someone could run a comparison first.
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