I have a 2002 sportsman 700 that i hope somebaody on here can help me with. The other day i was riding it and it just died, then it would not restart. i have spark at the plugs and have gas to the carb. but it doesn't even sound like it want to try and start. so i checked the crank and it is fine not broken. made sure the valves are opening and closing, all good there. I was going to check compersion but can't find gauge right now but it fell pretty good can't hold my finger on it. so i am at a lose as what it could be any help would be great. thanks in advance.

 

I have an 03 600 and the same thing happened to mine and it was the ignition seloind under the front hood it is a black box with the spark plug wires attached to it. My just died and would not start back no spark. Hope this helps

 

The thing is I do have spark with mine. Just not sure if it is at the right time or not

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bfox22

The thing is I do have spark with mine. Just not sure if it is at the right time or not</end quote></div>

Ducati Coil pack (cdi,coil combo) notorious for going out. I've replaced several. Even though you have spark,its possible coil pack going bad.These were used from 02 to 04 models and then replaced with different system.

 

just wondring how they could be bad and still have spark.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bfox22

just wondring how they could be bad and still have spark.</end quote></div>

It depends on how you are checking your spark. It takes a lot more voltage to fire a plug when it is under say, 140 psi, than it takes to fire it, when it is out and just laying along side of the head.

Many times, even a fouled out plug will show spark out side of the head, but a mis fire condition will exsist once the plug is reinserted into the head. The compression condition effects firing.

 

ok i guess i am testing the spark with the plug out is there a better way to test it

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: old polaris tech

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: bfox22



The thing is I do have spark with mine. Just not sure if it is at the right time or not</end quote></div>



Ducati Coil pack (cdi,coil combo) notorious for going out. I've replaced several. Even though you have spark,its possible coil pack going bad.These were used from 02 to 04 models and then replaced with different system.</end quote></div>

I would listen to this guy, I haven't been around long, but from what I've read he's been around the block and has specific knowledge and gives good advice. Me, I just have general knowlege, and get lost alot, going around the block.

I hear what you are saying though, you are not a parts changer and want to know it the coil pack is bad or not before you spend the money. I think the same way.

You can try the old trick of just opening the plug gap to see at what gap the fire fails at. I would think it should fire to at least .080 of and inch, but that is just a guess.

 

i actually have a spark checker that has two electrodes on a screw thats adjustable

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MECHANIKE

i actually have a spark checker that has two electrodes on a screw thats adjustable</end quote></div>

Lots of these testers on the market, some of the fancy ones, can sell for as high as $25.

Just trying to save him some money, by making his own using the sparkplug. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

When doing this you also have to remember most plugs today have about a 6K resister in them so you need to take this into consideration when gaping the plug.