It Is Alive!!! Bwahahahahahaha - Page 20

**cheesy** · 05-31-2013, 11:13 PM

Solved the cooling issue today.

Turns out this was beginning to fail. Should have used a larger heatsink.

It wasn't regulating well anymore. It's output was rising with engine speed, hitting 8.2V at 5000rpm. So the temp gauge was being overdriven and reading high.
Anywho, replaced the Chinese VR with this set up and a big ol' heatsink.

Not my idea, found it on the CX forum wiki. Got all of $1.50 in it. Best part, so far, is that it holds 6.9V through the entire rpm range. Info on the wiki has the cap deleted, so I didn't use it. Should have taken a pic, makes the Chinese VR look huge.

Also made an attempt to install the the HID headlight but that is going to have to wait as I'll need to reconfigure the wiring harness to make it all fit. Did get the new lens in, using the H4 bulb for the time being.

Sure is a lot o' crap in that headlight nacelle.

SpudRider · 06-01-2013, 12:04 AM

I'm glad you got the problem solved!

Weldangrind · 06-01-2013, 02:03 AM

So, it wasn't actually overheating? The gauge was lying?

**cheesy** · 06-01-2013, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

So, it wasn't actually overheating? The gauge was lying?

Yep. But that Autozone T-stat was still junk.

**cheesy** · 06-13-2013, 07:58 PM

Looky what I'm getting for the Maggot.

This is a hobbyist built AC-CDI for the CX. I found a CX enthusiast and Electrical Engineer in Finland who is building these. This is a photo of the one he is building for me. He has several thousand kilometers on the prototype in his bike and has a few more of these floating around northern Europe undergoing 'real world' testing. He'll be plugging it into his bike and putting a couple hundred klicks on it before he gives it his blessing and ships it out.

Two benefits of this one over the stock Honda CDI is 2013 vs 1978 technologies and it is user serviceable. I should have it in about 10 days or so. Just in time for the Maggot and I do a 700 miler to northern Wisconsin and back.

Weldangrind · 06-13-2013, 09:20 PM

I got the dreaded red X.

Cool idea! I like that fact that it will be serviceable and tested.

Since he's gonna put a couple hundred klicks on it, you should tell him that it will qualify as used, and therefore you want a discount.

SpudRider · 06-14-2013, 12:57 AM

I can't see the photo either.

However, I think it's great to get a CDI unit you can service.

**cheesy** · 06-14-2013, 06:16 AM

We'll see if that worked.

If it didn't, here.

Weldangrind · 06-14-2013, 11:07 AM

That looks like a decent weatherproof box. Do you plan to isolate it with rubber washers?

SpudRider · 06-14-2013, 01:09 PM

I see it now, Cheesy.

Oh yes, I like that CDI unit very much.

**cheesy** · 06-15-2013, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That looks like a decent weatherproof box. Do you plan to isolate it with rubber washers?

I'm familiar with the box. We use this type on our rail equipment, upto a meter square. I don't recall the EU standard but it's tough.

The maker says I can get away with a cable tie but I may raid Mrs. C's sewing cabinet for some sticky back Velcro.

BTW, the unit is finished.

**cheesy** · 06-25-2013, 08:43 PM

The cdi showed up yesterday.

Too bad I'm working in New Jersey all this week.

I THOUGHT I had sussed the cooling issue by replacing the VR. No such luck. There was a bit more to the problem.

Number one, the sending unit is headed south. It was reading hotter than things actually were. Bad news is that Honda wants almost $50 for a Beck Arnley sending unit they've used since 1972. Good news is that partsgeek.com(where I get stuff for Mrs. Cs' Audi) sells the same Beck Arnley unit for $12 plus shipping.

Second issue, I removed the thermistor unit and replaced it with a thermal switch and relay. The thermistor, being a current limiter, never allowed the fan to reach full speed.

Third issue, me. Need to research things I read on line a bit more before doing them.

A bit of math and deeper reading of my CX Factory Service Manual would have saved me some headaches. I'm not doing myself any favors by running an 80C/176F(recommended)thermal switch on an engine with an 82C/180F t-stat. I stuck a probe in the coolant and found that the fan came on at 177F and turned off at 175F. All I was doing was putting a load on the charging system. This is also what pointed me to the sending unit. Not even up to operating temp and gauge was reading at almost 80% of the scale. So, got another Volvo 92/87C* (198/189F)switch, this one works, and mounted it on the rad. Also, flushed the cooling system. For a 34 year old bike, it was really clean.

Home Friday afternoon (I hope. Don't want a repeat of my trip here, 8 hours late. Got into my hotel room at 2:30 this morning). Should have everything in and buttoned up by early evening.

I'm down to less than five minutes yanking the seat and tank off the bike.

*Might still be a bit cool, but I have a baseline now.

Weldangrind · 06-26-2013, 12:57 PM

Do you intend to install a bypass toggle for the fan? It's cheap insurance.

**cheesy** · 06-26-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Do you intend to install a bypass toggle for the fan? It's cheap insurance.

Yup.

**cheesy** · 06-29-2013, 10:22 AM

Ohh, a box from Finland.

It had a CDI in it.

Will have this in today, but still waiting for the sending unit. If that doesn't show up today, I may cut a vein and go to NAPA.

05-31-2013, 11:13 PM	#286
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,777	Solved the cooling issue today. Turns out this was beginning to fail. Should have used a larger heatsink. It wasn't regulating well anymore. It's output was rising with engine speed, hitting 8.2V at 5000rpm. So the temp gauge was being overdriven and reading high. Anywho, replaced the Chinese VR with this set up and a big ol' heatsink. Not my idea, found it on the CX forum wiki. Got all of $1.50 in it. Best part, so far, is that it holds 6.9V through the entire rpm range. Info on the wiki has the cap deleted, so I didn't use it. Should have taken a pic, makes the Chinese VR look huge. Also made an attempt to install the the HID headlight but that is going to have to wait as I'll need to reconfigure the wiring harness to make it all fit. Did get the new lens in, using the H4 bulb for the time being. Sure is a lot o' crap in that headlight nacelle. __________________ Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts
	0

06-01-2013, 12:04 AM	#287
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I'm glad you got the problem solved! __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

06-01-2013, 02:03 AM	#288
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	So, it wasn't actually overheating? The gauge was lying? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

06-13-2013, 07:58 PM	#290
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,777	Looky what I'm getting for the Maggot. This is a hobbyist built AC-CDI for the CX. I found a CX enthusiast and Electrical Engineer in Finland who is building these. This is a photo of the one he is building for me. He has several thousand kilometers on the prototype in his bike and has a few more of these floating around northern Europe undergoing 'real world' testing. He'll be plugging it into his bike and putting a couple hundred klicks on it before he gives it his blessing and ships it out. Two benefits of this one over the stock Honda CDI is 2013 vs 1978 technologies and it is user serviceable. I should have it in about 10 days or so. Just in time for the Maggot and I do a 700 miler to northern Wisconsin and back. __________________ Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts Last edited by cheesy; 06-14-2013 at 06:15 AM. Reason: reinsert pic
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06-13-2013, 09:20 PM	#291
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I got the dreaded red X. Cool idea! I like that fact that it will be serviceable and tested. Since he's gonna put a couple hundred klicks on it, you should tell him that it will qualify as used, and therefore you want a discount. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

06-14-2013, 12:57 AM	#292
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I can't see the photo either. However, I think it's great to get a CDI unit you can service. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

06-14-2013, 06:16 AM	#293
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,777	We'll see if that worked. If it didn't, here. __________________ Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts
	0

06-14-2013, 11:07 AM	#294
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	That looks like a decent weatherproof box. Do you plan to isolate it with rubber washers? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

06-14-2013, 01:09 PM	#295
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	I see it now, Cheesy. Oh yes, I like that CDI unit very much. __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

06-25-2013, 08:43 PM	#297
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,777	The cdi showed up yesterday. Too bad I'm working in New Jersey all this week. I THOUGHT I had sussed the cooling issue by replacing the VR. No such luck. There was a bit more to the problem. Number one, the sending unit is headed south. It was reading hotter than things actually were. Bad news is that Honda wants almost $50 for a Beck Arnley sending unit they've used since 1972. Good news is that partsgeek.com(where I get stuff for Mrs. Cs' Audi) sells the same Beck Arnley unit for $12 plus shipping. Second issue, I removed the thermistor unit and replaced it with a thermal switch and relay. The thermistor, being a current limiter, never allowed the fan to reach full speed. Third issue, me. Need to research things I read on line a bit more before doing them. A bit of math and deeper reading of my CX Factory Service Manual would have saved me some headaches. I'm not doing myself any favors by running an 80C/176F(recommended)thermal switch on an engine with an 82C/180F t-stat. I stuck a probe in the coolant and found that the fan came on at 177F and turned off at 175F. All I was doing was putting a load on the charging system. This is also what pointed me to the sending unit. Not even up to operating temp and gauge was reading at almost 80% of the scale. So, got another Volvo 92/87C* (198/189F)switch, this one works, and mounted it on the rad. Also, flushed the cooling system. For a 34 year old bike, it was really clean. Home Friday afternoon (I hope. Don't want a repeat of my trip here, 8 hours late. Got into my hotel room at 2:30 this morning). Should have everything in and buttoned up by early evening. I'm down to less than five minutes yanking the seat and tank off the bike. *Might still be a bit cool, but I have a baseline now. __________________ Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts
	0

06-26-2013, 12:57 PM	#298
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Do you intend to install a bypass toggle for the fan? It's cheap insurance. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

06-29-2013, 10:22 AM	#300
cheesy Moderator Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Elburn, IL Posts: 5,777	Ohh, a box from Finland. It had a CDI in it. Will have this in today, but still waiting for the sending unit. If that doesn't show up today, I may cut a vein and go to NAPA. __________________ Cheesy ______________________________________ 07 Hi Bird Enduro-Flown the Coop 07 Ural Gear Up 79 Honda CX500 77 VeloSolex 4600 V3 73 VeloSolex 3800 I'm making this up as I go.-Indiana Jones Telling me something 'is for my own good', is a fast way to a fat lip.-Me I don't even care about my own problems, why should I care about yours?-Quote on one of my favorite t-shirts Last edited by cheesy; 12-07-2013 at 09:13 PM. Reason: Grrr photobucket
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