Ignition Dropping Out

[BostonShovel]

Hello Guys,

I've got a question on my Big Bear Chopper I build 13 years ago.
10 years back I put a Crane Fireball Dual fire ignition in with a 3 Ohm Crane Coil

All has been well until recently, I started getting engine misfires, like the ignition would drop out then refire with a violent bang.

I checked for loose and broken wires, checked to see if I was losing electrical power from the battery, checked fuel related issues.
I thought it may be the coil, so I replaced it with the same results.

The only thing left is the ignition module, I'll likely replace it with the S&S Hi-4N since it is similar to the Crane version

Any other thoughts?

Thanks

[Captain America]

The S&S will work just fine. FWIW, I like Daytona Twin Tec...

Daytona Twin Tec LLC - Model 1005 Ignition for Harley-Davidson Motorcycles

[golfish]

13 years sounds like a good run for your ignition.

I kick myself all the time for selling my BBC. I really liked that bike

[Shovel52]

How did you check electrical power? Best way would be to put your volt meter hot and ground leads directly on the input to the module and check to see if your meter blinks when the engine cuts out.
that would tell you if you are losing power to the module...loose wires... If all reads good, then put your meter on the output of the module ..ohms.. the module grounds the coils.. and see if the module is puking ...

[BostonShovel]

Originally Posted by Shovel52

How did you check electrical power? Best way would be to put your volt meter hot and ground leads directly on the input to the module and check to see if your meter blinks when the engine cuts out.
that would tell you if you are losing power to the module...loose wires... If all reads good, then put your meter on the output of the module ..ohms.. the module grounds the coils.. and see if the module is puking ...

Thanks for the input,

I observed the tach continuing to read during the misfires, so I assume the power is getting to the module

Checking the module output is a good suggestion, however the drop out only occurs intermittently while RIDING the bike. I can run through the rev range on the kickstand with no misfire

I do notice that the timing LED appears faint and doesn't seem to be flashing at idle.
I tried to use the static timing method to get the LED to turn on while rotating the engine over by hand with the ignition on - NG

I ordered the S&S Module as a last resort.

Thank you

[pushrod243]

The cranes were famous for that. I like the newer S&S version. I can sell you one if you need it. I keep them in stock....

[Shovel52]

Your symptom sounds identical to mine when my ground wire nut loosened up..It would only do it at a certain rpm when I was losing ground...Yours sounds more like the module..

[BostonShovel]

Thanks for the input guys

I have the S&S unit on order, I feel a little better since you guys seem to agree that may be the way to go.

I'll keep you posted

[BostonShovel]

I installed the S&S HI-4N and all is good

Got a NIB from EBay for $200

Got it up and running just in time for the Boston to Salem Halloween Run on Sunday

Thanks guys