Cheap coils on ebay

[MarkCR750]

I just bought a pair of these, look ok, I'll report back when fitted.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/200570244121?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Green1]

Iv bought quit a few odds and sods from them in the past for various bikes all been good so far.
Fingers crossed.

Mick 

[MarkCR750]

Yes I had some bearings from them recently, if I remember correctly it was about £3 for the sprocket carrier bearing delivered!, nice bearing, lets hope the coils are as good, they look the part in the photo's.

[Green1]

Don't get peeps started on delivery charges you know what there like on this forum.

Mick

[Piki]

One question, the coils from a 750 Four, Goldwing 1000, etc,etc, are more powerful than the coils of a 400 Four, 500 Four?
If  are more powerful, that is not bad idea, fit one coils from a Goldwing or 750 Four in my 400 Four, and I will get more Spark.....or am I wrong?

[Bryanj]

DO NOT use 'Wing as they are ballasted coils

[Piki]

Thank you Bryanj, but I do not know that is "Ballasted coils" 750 four are similar a 400/500/550...

[Bryanj]

Physically yes but the resistance varies

[Lobo]

Hi Piki, as I understand it... and not related / specific to Hondas... but 'just generally'....

A ballasted coil typically runs at a lower voltage .... say 6-9 volts, and this is achieved with the use of a resistor by-pass wire. It is all to help starting; ie when the starter motor cranks this resistor is shorted out ... allowing full available battery voltage to the coil (which will now be less than 12v due the starter load), and giving a better spark. Once cranking stops the resistor is put back into the circuit, and the reduced 6-9 volts now feeds the coil. Because the coil is basically designed to run at 6-9 volts the spark is strong / adequate and the engine continues to run just fine.

On your 400F, the coils are un-ballasted, and are designed to run at 12v. During cranking the battery voltage may likely drop to around 10v, and the spark will become weaker. Not ideal, but good enough in this case. Once your stater has ceased cranking the voltage will return to 12v or so and full spark will return.

So, as Bryan says, "the resistance varies", .... and according to starter cranking. Your 400F circuit is not designed for ballasted coils, and by swapping coils between systems you either run the risk of under-voltage / weak spark or running them at over voltage & burning your coil / points out.

I think...!

Hope this helps,
Simon

[Cabilao]

Thanks Lobo,good explanation,i also had no clue about ballasted coils. You never stop learning

[Piki]

Great Lobo, you are great!!! I remember that some member from the USA website made this upgrade in his 400/500 fours: good originals points, and change the coils for coils of Goldwing 1000,but perhaps I am wrong.......

But if the coils of 750 Four and Goldwing are different that coils from 400/500/550, why DSS sell the aftermarket coils with  the same Part Number!!!! 

[Lobo]

Hi Piki,

Just to say again... my post was 'general' and not specific to Honda motorcycles.  I've no idea etc of DSS part numbers, or whether Gold Wing coils are different to 400F coils. Forgive me...
(but if the part #s are the same...well surely it'd be fine) Bryan... thoughts / comments?

If however, you substitute a ballasted coil (designed to run @ 9v) into an unballasted circuit ... it may well mean you're running the coil at 12v continuously  ... versus its 9v design... meaning something (ie the points / coil) will fail earlier than their intended life. I accept though, in the short term, it may appear better than spec, & just fine.

As a general rule... and I am no engineer / specialist ... I'd suggest, whether it be tyre dimensions, oil, petrol... whatever.. you should stick to what the manufactures intended versus thinking you (we) can do better!

Cheers,
Simon