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Posted by Dustywolf
- April 09, 2025, 19:02:13 PMQuote from: Troll on April 09, 2025, 18:53:20 PMHere is the ign system wiring diagram. I still think you have flooded the engine. The waste spark system relies on at least one clean plug per coil in order to work. If there is no path to ground through an ionized air gap, the spark will not happen. Keep in mind, the spark jumps from the ground electrode to the positive electrode on one plug and from positive to ground on the other plug. All waste spark systems are like this, whether it's a Honda, a Harley, or a Chevrolet. It may be hard to visualize, but that's how it works.
I am not flooding it... because the spark plugs are outside of the engine.
Its a super weird issue, especially now that it's acting different with the new VDS.
Posted by Troll
- April 09, 2025, 18:53:20 PMHere is the ign system wiring diagram. I still think you have flooded the engine. The waste spark system relies on at least one clean plug per coil in order to work. If there is no path to ground through an ionized air gap, the spark will not happen. Keep in mind, the spark jumps from the ground electrode to the positive electrode on one plug and from positive to ground on the other plug. All waste spark systems are like this, whether it's a Honda, a Harley, or a Chevrolet. It may be hard to visualize, but that's how it works.
Posted by 53Indian
- April 09, 2025, 18:20:38 PMNot a clue on this one.
No aftermarket accessories like alarm or ignition switch fitted that may have disturbed the wiring?
(I had a similar problem with mine but luckily I had another to swap parts off to eliminate the fault, saves needlessly replacing parts too - know anyone local with a VN1500?)
Also try putting a post on the Kawasaki Vulcan forum, there's some knowledgeable guys on there, as on here.
Posted by Dustywolf
- April 09, 2025, 15:16:51 PMGot the new VDS in, it changed the behavior of everything. The bike wouldn't spark at all with the kickstand down, etc as soon as I replaced the VDS. it would try to start before even with kickstand down and the clutch out.
Still have that spark issue. Clutch sensor works, neutral switch illuminates, kill switch works, fuel pump was working. Ignition switch working.
To reiterate, it will only spark ONCE when holding down the starter. If you keep holding down the starter button, it will not continue sparking.
Any ideas?
Posted by Dustywolf
- April 07, 2025, 18:28:00 PMQuote from: 53Indian on April 07, 2025, 03:32:23 AMTry the basics first.
VDS sensor, as you say
Side stand switch wires OK?
Neutral switch illuminating?
Clutch switch, under lever, not disintegrated?
Engine kill switch, they look fine but fall apart inside housing
Fuel pump connection, does it sound with ignition on?
Ignition switch?
Starter relay/fuse?
Is the motor spinning if you jump the starter solenoid?
(ECU's rarely give problems)Process of elimination, you'll find it.
Yes,
I have already gone through that entire list. The motor will spin over via the starter motor, it just has the spark issue.
VDS has no continuity, so that's a problem in the first place. Should be here tonight or tomorrow and then we will find out.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Posted by 53Indian
- April 07, 2025, 03:32:23 AMTry the basics first.
VDS sensor, as you say
Side stand switch wires OK?
Neutral switch illuminating?
Clutch switch, under lever, not disintegrated?
Engine kill switch, they look fine but fall apart inside housing
Fuel pump connection, does it sound with ignition on?
Ignition switch?
Starter relay/fuse?
Is the motor spinning if you jump the starter solenoid?
(ECU's rarely give problems)
Process of elimination, you'll find it.
Posted by Dustywolf
- April 03, 2025, 02:20:58 AMVehicle down sensor.
It has no continuity, so I went ahead and ordered a used but allegedly operational one on ebay. It was also half apart when I found it so...
Posted by Bucko
- April 02, 2025, 16:20:14 PMWhat is a 'VDS'?
Posted by Dustywolf
- April 02, 2025, 03:23:40 AMUpdate 2: Put VDS back together, no continuity in any situation. Bike will engage starter without it, but won't spark at all without it obviously.
Perhaps, this could be my issue?
Posted by Dustywolf
- April 02, 2025, 00:41:49 AMBattery tested good after a load test, also I found the VDS not together properly. Even with it messed up, it still tries to start. Could this be preventing spark? I thought a bad VDS would also prevent starter motor.
Posted by Dustywolf
- March 30, 2025, 02:00:12 AMQuote from: Bucko on March 30, 2025, 00:03:59 AMDid you load test the battery?
Will do so Monday, will report my findings.
Posted by Bucko
- March 30, 2025, 00:03:59 AMQuote from: Dustywolf on March 29, 2025, 20:15:11 PMIt is a 1999 model, so no clock that I know of.
So it sounds like the battery isn't my issue, what other things could it be? Super weird thay it only sparks once. I had hope that the circular relay was the issue... but apparently it's not even connected to the ignition system.
Did you load test the battery?
Posted by Dustywolf
- March 29, 2025, 20:15:11 PMIt is a 1999 model, so no clock that I know of.
So it sounds like the battery isn't my issue, what other things could it be? Super weird thay it only sparks once. I had hope that the circular relay was the issue... but apparently it's not even connected to the ignition system.
Posted by Bucko
- March 29, 2025, 12:37:39 PMQuote from: Dustywolf on March 29, 2025, 04:13:37 AMWhen I mean external power, I am referencing a jump pack. Could a bad battery cause no spark even with the jump pack connected?
Assuming the Jump Pack is OK, it should work fine, but you should probably load test the Jump Pack too. You don't say what year your Drifter is but if it's a post 2000 model, with a clock, a real quick 'charged' battery load test is if the clock resets when you hit the starter, your battery is hooped.
Posted by Dustywolf
- March 29, 2025, 04:13:37 AMWhen I mean external power, I am referencing a jump pack. Could a bad battery cause no spark even with the jump pack connected?