How do I test a coil?

[The Other PaulG]

This is related to my 'other' bike, a Suzuki DR600.

I think the coil is goosed, but can anyone tell me how to test it to be sure?

Thanks,

Paul G

 

[Le singe]

Test it across a 12V battery, look in your manual for which terminal is positive and which is negative, fit the HT lead, spark plug cap and spark plug, connect the coil to the battery, disconnect one lead after leaving connected for a few seconds, the spark plug should spark.
Not as reliable a test as a proper coil tester but it will tell you if the coil has failed totally.
If it doesn't spark, measure the primary and secondary winding's resistances and compare with the resistances in the manual, this should tell you which has failed.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

test it as above - as a minimum test though.

you really need to increase the gap to ascertain the length ( and strength ) of spark.

suzuki tester uses a sliding electrode that you can increase the gap on - you're looking for about 1/2" if its good - test when its hot too - breakdown usually occurs when warm.

 

[STUBBS]

if something pops out in 9 months you know its a faulty coil

 

[The Other PaulG]

Thanks for the suggestions guys - I'll have a go and see whether I can coax a spark from it. If the coil's fine, then it's time to look at the stator and pickup... any ideas on testing those??

PG