Just bought an 81 Honda 185s. Previous owner stated it ran rough for a little while, then just stopped running. I brought it home, cleaned carb, checked oil, put new gas in it, and it would not start. I checked spark, there is no spark. I am sure this could mean many things. Any advise as to where to start? Could it be the ignition coil?? Thanks for any advise.

 

I had the same deal with mine. I found that the spark plug was bad. Replaced plug and it fired right up.

 

I did put in a new spark plug also. Still nothing. Thanks

 

Hello on your 185s replace the pick up coil it is what sends the spark to the coil I had one about drove me crazy it ran fine for awhile then it would quit finally after allot of spark plugs a couple different coils That fixed it it is bhind the plate on the right side as you are looking at the bike good luck.

Terry........

 

You just cant go out and buy the part you think is *****ed get a meter check your wiring for broken wires, burnt wires and stuff like that than test it if it turns out good than that is not your problem clean the magneto its located on the top left side of the motor there is a plate over it, it says "CDI" undo the two 4 way bolts located on it then becarefull whene pull it off the seal likes to break. Then when you get it off make shure there is no red dust and rust then check the black box, if thats good check your CDI its a black box located right next to the coil, if good check your coil if good your last object is the "STATOR" its located on the bottom left side take the recoil off then get a flywheel puller to get the flywheel off behind that flywheel is your stator also known as the ignition sourse check it that is most likely going to be bad also make shure you flywheel where the magnets are make shure thats is clean if your stator is dirty try cleaning it and see what it dose. DID YOU MAKE SHURE THE KILL SWITCH IS ON AND THE BOOT THAT HOOKS ON THE SPARK PLUG MAKE SHURE THAT IS GOOD THEY LIKE TO GO OUT.

LET ME KNOW IF YOU GET IT GOING I AM VERY INTERESTED

 

I agree
Get the manual there are specific tests to do I have an 82-185s
My coil was bad but I did all of the tests to determine
I also had a bad coil winding causing my lights to not work tested
Thank goodnes for a parts bike and manual
Also look for insulation cracked causing ignition to ground
After all these are only 25year old machines
Good luck
Ray