Deep breath, Dive! (GSX400X Impulse)

[Reubix]

Hi I'm Reuben

I have no idea what I am getting myself into, but I'm doing it anyway. I have no automotive skill but I want to learn...

...So today I went and bought a 1987 Suzuki GSX400X Impulse..
... From what I have read online I'm in for the long haul, buy hey all to learn what I can.

The current state the bike is in is that it will not start (no spark) so I've done some research and found out the first thing I should do is buy a multimeter and get testing. Next is getting to the spark plugs, then it's tracing things back from there. I'll post pictures and update things as I go but from the tidbits of information I've found on this forum I've deducted that the GSX suffers from electrical issues stemming from the Coils... I have no f**king clue what a coil is but I intend to find out!

If anyone has any experience with this kind of thing and would like free booze and time way from home feel free to get in touch! Evening sessions in the garage fixing bikes and sinking brews is on me (I'm in linton BTW)

Also if the greater forum crusader has anything nice to add please feel free to share.

Current Needs 02/2014:

1987 GSX400X Impulse Manual and/or PDF file (another member has pointed me in the right direction)
New/Test battery
Sprockets, Chain
Brake rebuild kit
Engine oil/filter

Work done:
1) Bought the bike
2) Pickup the bike
3) Take pictures
4) Change ownership
5) Remove petrol tank
6) Replace/Recharge/Test Battery
7) Get a multimeter and start testing connections
8) Install new coils and test
9) Test spark plugs
10) Test all connections to the Coils
11) Test components in reverse of the coils
12) Bleed brakes, clean cylinders, check condition of pads

Work to do:

1) Attempt repair of seals on brakes, clean pistons etc.
2) Fit second coil, test spark
3) Check coolant level, top up if needed - drain if I can find the damn plug
4) Oil leak still needs looking at, find oil type (10w40 as standard) - and where the hell is the filter on this bitch? -Found it, it's a bastard to get to (behind the exhaust)

Photos:

20/02/2014:


Wiring Diagram can be found here (not the exact same engine by the way)
http://www.graniterock.co.uk/400manu...ng_Diagram.pdf

[BuzzardNZ]

You're not wrong about the electrics with the Impulse!

I had one and had the regulator/rectifier and coils go.

Apart from that it was my favourite out of all the bikes I've ever owned.

Good luck getting yours up and running

[SMOKEU]

Apart from that it was my favourite out of all the bikes I've ever owned.

Is your SV that much of a POS that even a 1980's GSX is "better"?!

[BuzzardNZ]

Is your SV that much of a POS that even a 1980's GSX is "better"?!

No, I enjoy the SV a lot. It's just that the Impulse was my first fast bike and have such good memories of it.

[curly]

The following link maybe of some help.
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

[bungbung]

I had an Impulse for my first bike, it was great.
Give it a good clean and look over the frame closely.
My swingarm cracked about halfway between the pivot and the axle.

[Reubix]

The following link maybe of some help.
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

That's excellent, cheers mate!

[Akzle]

buying an 80s suzy and a multimeter... Youre a fucking masochist son.
Godspeed, brave ass crazy nigger.

[neels]

I remember riding a repulse many, many years ago. Seemed awesome at the time, but to be fair it was compared to the CB360 I owned at the time, so it's awesomeness is probably relative.

God speed, and good luck, and double what you think your budget is.

[Reubix]

Updated with photos! ...Really need a multimeter and a manual

[rustyrobot]

The following link maybe of some help.
http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

Hey, that's a great website - thanks for putting the link here. Spent the last 2 hours reading and can feel my brain expanding (and a looming drain on my bank balance... must buy project bike)

[Reubix]

Update - 21/02/14

So I managed to do some further diagnosis today after watching this youtube video:


Basically I mucked around and diagnosed that there was a connection across the positive/negative of the primary coil but there was NO resistance to the secondary coil... Basically from the coil to the spark plug there was nil/nada/nothing... On both coils!

I've tested and tested and tested using the technique from the vid but still nothing... Looks like I could use two new ignition coils that will work with my bike! Anyone got any suggestions/parts to sell?

[Akzle]

Anyone got any suggestions/parts to sell?

shitloads of each.

Nothing that will help you in this situation though.

[Reubix]

No?

That's a damn shame! I need to find out what differences there are between ignition coils from one manufacturer to the other... Having trouble tracking down that kind of info online.

[Akzle]

always wipe front to back.