1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

[gdpalumbo]

Hello,
I have been having an issue for the last few years now and it's driving me crazy. My 1988 yamaha v130 runs great when it runs. It will run fine for a bunch of time on the water and then it just randomly won't start and has no spark. I have disconnected the ignition ground out wire that shuts the engine down to rule that out. I have done all the resistance tests on the pulser coils and all that ignition stuff the repair manual has me check and everything checked out good. I could not do the resistance checks when running as it wouldn't start but all the values for not running are good. It is inconvienent because I don't trust the engine to bring it out on a big lake as I don't want to get stuck. Also, I would like to mention that the fuel pressure is good when it won't start. Anyone have an Idea? Please help me if you can I am pretty mechanicly savvy so anything you would suggest me to check I can. Thanks.

 

[99yam40]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

you have the manual, then follow the test procedures for voltage into and out of CDI with the proper test equipment.
Doing this before and during the no start issue should show what is failing

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I did re-do all the tests. I tested all the actual ignition components such as pulser and charge coils and the resistance values were in spec. I removed all of the wires off of the cdi module and started to test that. I was supposed to read around 120-180 k ohms between almost all of the pairs. I only read the 180 k ohms between one pair and everything else was in the mega ohm range. Would you say it's safe to say this is the issue? I cannot get the boat started again so I cannot test voltage output when running. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks you

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I do have one more question. I have read that these cdi modules are pretty much bullet proof. I noticed from the wiring diagram that there is a voltage regulator that the charge coil contacts and then from there, there is a tap that goes to the cdi box. If the voltage regulator is bad, does that provide the power for the cdi module to run?

 

[99yam40]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Get your hands on a DVA adapter for your regular meter and do the voltage tests in manual.

Charge coil produce voltage for spark, lighting coils do the battery voltage, and pulsar coils tell when to spark

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I've replace many CDI's on these V4 engines. For some reason, only these have problems. I bet if you applied pressure inward on the cover when it's not firing, it will again fire. Usually it only effects one or two cylinders, but a few times it kills them all. It's like there is a short in a solder join and when you press in, it makes connection. I once got a guy two extra years by putting a piece of rubber between the cover and screws to hold pressure on the screws.

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I will try putting the pressure on the cover like you said but ultimately i would like to replace the part if this is the problem but they are so darn expensive. Would installing a used one not be a good idea? I haven't been able to even locate a new one online for some reason but if anyone knows where i could get one it would be appreciated. Once everyone is awake around here I will try to crank it again and check to see if this works.

 

[Liberty563]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I had the same issue for a year....changed the switch, took to dealer, etc but my issue was not the switch connector no, not the harness connector no, but it was the other connector at the same location as the other connectors, I think it goes to the gauges. I simply opened the connector and put in some electrical connection goo, ans so far all is well...Hope this works for you.....

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Which switch are you speaking of? When I was having this problem I had disconnected the white ignition ground out wire to eliminate the kill switch and off switch from the equation. Looking at the wiring diagrams, as long as that is out of the equation, all the ignition spark and components are local to the powerhead and those plugs heading to the controls wouldn't have any affect on the spark. I also wanted to note to capt ken that I did wedge in some thick cardboard between the screw terminals and the cover and it fired right up. I appreciate your knowledge and experience on this issue as it will help me get back on the water but I realize it is only a temporary fix. Thanks again.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Good, I learned that trick by accident many years ago.

 

[99yam40]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Good info , but measuring good voltage into the CDI and bad out would also tell you it was in CDI if other wiring was disconnected.

It is always good to know if voltage in is good to start out with

 

[douglloyd]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I had a Cdi go bad on my 4 cylinder. It happens. Find a used one.

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Having trouble finding a used one. What did you pay for your used one when you bought it and what year and size motor was it from?

 

[douglloyd]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Try Catalano's in Greenwich.

 

[gdpalumbo]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

I will give them a call. I would also like to ask you....when your cdi on your 4 cylinder went what were the symptoms or did it just stop running for good?

 

[douglloyd]

Re: 1988 yamha v130 intermittent spark

Intermittent lose of two cylinders. Most of these engines have carb problems make sure it's not a fuel issue first.
I would go out on four cylinders. And drop two on the way in.