Simple CDI Switchbox test.

[Clams Canino]

Somebody just e-mailed me for a CDI switchbox test. I wrote back and thier mail bounced - TWICE. So...here is the simple test.<br /><br />1. Turn off ignion<br />DOSCONNECT BATTERY<br />2. Disconnect all 3 wires on the distributor side of the switchbox.<br />3. Remove the HV lead from the coil to the center cap (remember it unscrews<br />from cap)<br />4. Reconnect the center lead to the COIL side only.<br />5. Position that HV lead about about 3/8" from ground (block, shrouds etc)<br />and find a way to hold it there.<br />6. Jumber the brown and white terminals on the dist. side of the switchbox<br />together.<br />RECONNECT BATTERY<br />7. Check that you have +12 V at red terminal.<br />8. Turn on ignition and verify +12V at white terminal (on red terminal side)<br />9. Touch the black terminal to ground - unit should cause spark each time<br />you touch ground.<br /><br />-W

 

[ozarkjeep]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

great!<br /><br />will that test work on a 1972 800 4cylinder 80HP?

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

Yes<br /><br />-W

 

[toomanyboats]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

Clams; how and can you test it on the work bench?

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

Remember that test will only work with battery CDI ignition. If you have an ADI that needs the stator to charge the switchbox, the test will not work.<br /><br />Enjoy!

 

[ozarkjeep]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

whats the ADI ignition?<br /><br />how do I know hte difference?<br /><br />My outboard is actually a 1970 800 80HP.<br /><br />I see the CDI switchbox, and the trigger assembly are VERY expensive. I would like to test them.<br /><br />also, are the distributer caps and rotor contacts brass or aluminum? can I open it up and inspect/clean them if they are dirty?<br /><br />I havent found a service book yet, I dont like seloc, and havent found a clymer yet.<br /><br />thanks!

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

whats the ADI ignition?<br /><br />Ignition that requires stator voltage to operate<br /><br />how do I know the difference?<br /><br />If there is a red lead with battery voltage on the switchbox, that would be battery driven ignition. You can also tell by the number of leads that come out of the stator. If there are more than 2 it is ADI.<br /><br />Just an FYI, the way to test the ADI system switchbox it to eliminate the surrounding components. Check stator voltage (200-300VDC on the blue lead and 29-90VDC on the red lead) cranking the engine. Then the trigger voltage should be 2-10VDC. All checks are made with a peak reading volt meter. You can check for output on the switchbox, which should be the same as the higher stator voltage. If there is no output, the switchbox is bad.<br /><br />Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Simple CDI Switchbox test.

Originally posted by toomanyboats:<br />Clams; how and can you test it on the work bench?

Unless you have an extra coil and a 12v source, you don't. <br /><br />-W