Desperatly need a part...have been trying to fix all summer (updated)

[hummmmmmer]

Hello...I am very new to this site.  In my searches for parts for my very much struggling 1990 gs500e, this site pops up.  I like it how it seems like a "brotherhood of sorts" and people are so friendly to help others get riding.  Anyway, I am looking for a CDI/Ignitor box obviously in good working condition.  I am only getting spark on one side (left) everything else checks out as far as the "ohms" go, so says my buddy.  I dont have alot of money, so I havnt brought it to a shop.  The latest ones on Ebay are $150 or so and they can not be returned I guess cause they are electrical (is this true everywhere?).  I dunno, if anyone has one that would be great.  I could also use maybe some advice on anything else that could be wrong so maybe I can learn to ride by the summers end and the snow falls.  Thanks for the help in advance

[langhorne047]

I'm not 100% certain, but if you're getting spark on 1 cylinder the CDI is probably ok. A more likely culprit is bad connections (it is a 1990, and things corrode) or a bad coil/plug wire/spark plug cap. Start by cleaning all connections and making sure they are connected tightly. Clean the inside of the spark plug caps as well as the spark plugs, better yet put in new, properly gapped spark plugs. Fully charge the battery. If you still have no luck you can switch the coils to see if the other cylinder then fires instead. Let us know what happens, and we can go from there. Good luck.

[SteveM]

Have you checked the spark plug wires? Maybe replace with a new one and try again.

[The Buddha]

I'm not 100% certain, but if you're getting spark on 1 cylinder the CDI is probably ok. A more likely culprit is bad connections (it is a 1990, and things corrode) or a bad coil/plug wire/spark plug cap. Start by cleaning all connections and making sure they are connected tightly. Clean the inside of the spark plug caps as well as the spark plugs, better yet put in new, properly gapped spark plugs. Fully charge the battery. If you still have no luck you can switch the coils to see if the other cylinder then fires instead. Let us know what happens, and we can go from there. Good luck.

On the nose here.
You wanna prove it. OK make a 4 pack of jumper wires ~3-4 inches long. Spade connetions on it with the same size as the 4 pin plug that goes from the crank trigger plate to the wiring harness - under the left side cover ~under the battery/black box. One side needs to be male, another side female spade connectors.
Then carefully color code the 4 pins. one is oil guage, one is common for both triggers - aka ground. The other 2 are left and right cyl trigger wires. These 2 should be swapped to the BB and the other 2 need to go straight through.
Now the problem will change sides. Yes, if so, its a bad crank trigger.
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

Oh F*(k wait ... First check the auxillary ground.
Cool.
Buddha.

[hummmmmmer]

I thank you for all your help, really from the bottom of my heart.  I will work hopefully sun up to sun down all weekend.  I will let you know how it goes and all that.  Keep checking back to see my progress

[Jackstand Johnny]

Good luck!

[PatrickInNC]

How didi it go? I have coils, CDI box, voltage regulator, spark plug wires, all for sale. Let me know if you need them

[theUBS]

I'm almost technically worthless, but I do wish you good luck! 

[hummmmmmer]

To all who have helped me...thank you.  I am still in awe to find people days later offering help to get riding.  It is just amazing...really.  On the business end of things...I didn't have as much time this weekend as I had hoped due to a nagging girlfriend.  I did however...take every electrical wire/plug off and wipe out with a rag...even if it didnt look dirty or dark.  Nothng out of the ordinary unfortunatly.  The Buddah has confirmed what the dealer told me...if you have even a little bit of spark...its not the CDI/Ignitor box.  But it could be on its way out...so I believe I am going to replace it.  Im hoping on paydayfriday I will be able to purchase a part or two and start replacing.  I guess my only question for today is this...is there any electrical part in good working condition that CAN NOT BE swapped from bike to bike?
Once again, I do truely appreciate your help in advance

[werase643]

swap the coils and see if it runs only on the right side

[The Buddha]

A CDI is not on its way out. Its not like a freaking "Bad manager". Its working or blown. Crank trigger or auxillary ground. That is your 2 and 1 ...
Cool.
Buddha.

[hummmmmmer]

  Ok.  I cant say enough to those who have helped me.  I finally broke down and brought it to a shop...I really couldn't figure it out.  They looked at is for 2 hours, charged me a total of $122.00 and they could not tell me what was wrong with it.  They are saying to take the CDI off and take it to a dealer to test it...they didnt have the tool to do so.  In the mean time, I'm going to check the kick stand safety switch and any other safety switches in the haynes manuel I have.  I am really trying to learn by the end of the summer. I guess the best thing that happened with taking it to the shop is that if you live in upstate ny I can tell you a place not to bring your bike for repair. 

[GI_JO_NATHAN]

I'm not so sure a safety switch will be your problem. I say swap the coils and see what it does.

[hummmmmmer]

Ok...they're telling me I need a CDI/ignition box now for sure.  If anyone has one, it would be greatly appreciated. 

[The Buddha]

CDI ... f*(k no.
Spark on 1 side is never CDI.
Crank trigger ... defiently crank trigger and before that check auxillary ground.
Hey, where are you US ... I think in nearly any city we have an expert who can help you though this.
Whatever it may be, it is not the CDI.
Cool.
Buddha.

[lewismug]

I think he's about to waste some money.....