So yesterday I was out for a ride on on my 1987 model and it was running sweet, all of a sudden it dropped a cylinder and will only run on three. The rev counter stopped working at the same time. No noise from motor so I am presuming it is ignition system. Does anyone have any idea where I should start looking?

 

Start by figuring out which cylinder is not firing. Then figure out if its missing spark or fuel.

 

Looks like number three, plug is wet, and rev counter stopped at same time so I am presuming it is something electrical.

 

Got spark?

 

Don't think so, plug is wet but others fine.

 

Switch plug wires 2 and 3 at the spark plugs and run the engine. Wires 2 and 3 fire at the same time. If plug number two is now wet, then the spark plug wire, or resistor above the spark plug wire is bad. If plug number three is still wet, replace the spark plug.

 

You need to physically check to see if there is spark or not. its a crucial bit of info to help properly diagnose your problem.

 

I was in the process of pulling the plugs to check for a spark, accidentally left the ignition on for about three minutes. The coil on the left side supplying cylinders one and four got extremely hot, almost impossible to touch, surely that can't be normal?

 

I think not, sounds like a dead short somewhere?

And by the way Jim, good to see you on the Forum. ****, you're only a wee bit up the road from me and I don't remember seeing you up here before.

We have to build the Kiwi presence, keep up with checking in here; not just when you have a problem.