Yamaha XS1100 Cafe Racer Project - Episode 21 - TCI Ignition Unit Explained

[@meatcreap]

I love it when you get the pen and pad out. You're an excellent teacher!

[@jasonbraden5150]

This is the most important video you have made. I have been in countless forums. everyone needing these answers and that wiring diageam!! I'm stoked. thanks again for this video.

[@ANDY5]

+jason braden Thanks mate, happy to help where possible.

[@nick39691]

is there a way to test this

[@TheJimp555]

Great video once again Andy!! You explain things very well and take the time to draw diagrams. I walk away from your videos with knowledge and please know it's appreciated Sir!

[@azsunset9815]

Thanks for these, I'm half way through my build and these are great. Much appreciation.

[@CelticMotorcycles]

Thanks for the ignitor pinout, helped us get this old beast running again!

[@ang0823]

Thank you. This video definitely helped me understand TCI and i feel confident in building my own wire harness

[@neotecsoluciones5837]

Thank you my friend you helped me a lot because I installed a yamaha virago 1100 CDI equal to yours in a virago 750 and I did not know the configuration of the cables .. thank you very much to you

[@frankkemble2103]

Thank you so much. I'd picked up and xs with no loom and although I'm used to wiring up bikes I couldn't understand why there were so many connectors to the CDI. I'd figured out the coils and the pick-ups but was a bit puzzled by the power application. Looks like the bike has a ballast resistor which is by-passed when starting and therefore a separate straight feed input to CDI. Incidentally, I also have a Triumph too, a 73 Bonny. Thanks again, that was a real help.

[@garrettcrismon4479]

How did you go about wiring the ignitor up

[@NorthernSutherner]

excellent video Andy , keep up the great work.

[@ANDY5]

+NorthernSutherner Thanks mate, appreciate the feedback

[@jamesduffy9946]

Hi Andy,I watched your video on TCI and how they work very interesting,I’m currently resorting my 1987 Yamaha virago xv400 and was wondering would it be possible to remove the restriction from my TCI or would I need to replace it,,,many thanks Jim (Ireland)

[@javihernandez2184]

Nice video easy to understand. Well explained. Thanks

[@billkelseyis]

you have saved me timeinfiguring out mine. however myu issue is i have no spark on 1 and 4 but i do on 2-3 which boggles my mind. so i replaced the coil and it still has no spark. Im now guessing its the TCI. which I cant find one anywhere. thanks for the video it has helped me immensley

[@toddudell8497]

hey Andy, are the tci's from the 79 the same on the 81? I'm having a same problem on spark issues. the bike only sparks on the first 2 turns and then nothing after that. so I'm down to the tci being the culprit. but I only found a tci from a 79 in my area. and I was told that 78 79 80 used different tci than the 81. and another question would be, what causes tci tp go out? too much load? can aftermarket coils hurt them? I have aftermarket coils but match the 3ohm as the stock. thanks for the vid.

[@ANDY5]

G'day Todd, yes they are different. The '78-'80 have mechanical ignition advance, not to be confused with the vacuum advance. The '81 has electronic advance and you can't interchange them. Check the prefix numbers on your TCI and replace it with one that's the same. As for why they go, I'm not sure. They are pretty bullet proof and I have aftermarket coils on mine with no issue. Considering you have 3ohm coils I would doubt that is the problem. Have you checked the wires from the pulsar coils? Have a look at Steptoes video for how to check them kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6iyeJ96p85gp5o

[@danaisibanda3813]

@@ANDY5 hie May I have the TCI number or part number for the TCI unit.

[@roderickbriongos4178]

Great video Sir Andy. I have a question hope you help me. My xs1100 sat for 1decade, last week I already check the spark/current of the four wires came from ignition coil the 1,3&4 have current the #2 does not have.and until next day I check but almost does not spark. Maybe what is the problem? Hope you help me for this Sir Andy thanks a lot

[@smallblockbigbang4581]

Ive got a 87 fzr1000, do you have any idea where the rev limiter (blue wire) coming from tci goes? (as in power, ground, ect.)?

[@richardleonard4547]

I have driven myself crazy with my xs this helps a little im gonna think on it i just got done trying to figure it out and wow my brain hurts cause I had Power to the coils but wasn't getting any spark so I took it apart and re did what I thought was the right way and now no power to coils I don't think I was completely finishing the circle but its been crazy im suppose to be going on a trip with my bike and im going to fail to even be ready to ride ugh its very disappointing that I have not gotten it figured out

[@Travis_Gixxer]

Great video mate! I’ve built a Frankenstein-bobber (it’s a mixture of stuff from different bikes 😂) but runs a 250 virago twin and I’ve been struggling like hell to understand how to hook up the Tci to get a spark! I’m used to AC driven cdi setups and this DC stuff is driving me nuts! It’s an 8 pin XV250 type tci so I’m hoping the principles you outline in this video will transfer to what I have here? I’m about ready to burn the thing if I can’t get it sparking 😂 any advice welcome!

[@newcleous]

Thought I'd just give this a shot. I have this 79 XS that has only ONE spark when I hit the start button and then only ONE spark when I release the start button. No spark when the starter is engaged. Also, the power on the Red/white wire at the TCI box shows 12.5 volts with key on, about 9.6 while cranking, and this is where it gets really weird...I release the starter button and the power goes down to 5 volts for about 3 seconds (red/white wire at the TCI box). Seems like stock coils might need to go. Primary ohms at 1.8 and secondaries at 24.48k and 25.19k. I have 3 TCI boxes here....all are giving me the same readings. Any directional help would be much appreciated! Thank you!

[@philrip1]

Will the colours be the same for an xj700x? I’ve just started work on one that I’ve had for a few years after importing a TCI from the states

[@kanukumar3747]

Hey thanks for the video! Is this close to a 1995 xv1100 tci pin diagram? I am having trouble finding a pin-out diagram for that model/year

[@jordanshawcountry]

Hey Andy, what did you do with the vacuum advance unit when you switched to mikuni/pods? I am having an electrical issue where cylinders 2 and 3 aren’t firing consistently with vm34s, however work fine seemingly with the cvs. I’ve tested everything I know to test and feel like it might have something to do with advance unit being plugged when using the mikunis, but connected properly with the cvs.

[@ANDY5]

If you open the video where I fitted the carbs and go right to the end you will see what I did.

[@jordanshawcountry]

Thank you!

[@EMALU1000]

Hi Andy, Sorry for the War and Peace message. I have an XS1100 trike Project that I bought in a wiring mess. UK clocks/ switch gear but US wiring loom. It’s been interesting to work out. I’ve fitted the relay diode/ neutral switch etc and all that is working fine after watching your video. I have a spark at 1 and 4 but nothing at 2 and 3. I’ve built a few chops in the past and used to have a bike business so have a reasonable knowledge of bike wiring. 2 questions. 1. The resistance on the pulse coils are in their parameters with the manual 694ohms and 678 ohms ( should be 720 plus or minus 20%) but it says you test the 2 yellow leads (green and red stripes) together and test the two white leads (green and red stripes) together. I don’t get any resistance that way. If I test them diagonally ie one white one yellow I get the resistance. It does spark though. I am still waiting for a 1.6 ohm resistor to go inline for the coils, to arrive in the next few days so have just connected the leads together for now just so I can check voltage. 2nd question. All the voltage readings are right off the TCI except for a. Grey feed to coil is only 4.5volts b. Should the red and yellow from the TCI unit have a permanent 12volt feed from the red and white off the starter switch or should it be on the Starter motor side. Your diagram and the manuals are different and the Haynes manuals don’t really show where it should be properly. I will confess I haven’t checked the coils yet or swapped them over so it might be the coil that’s the problem but I would have thought I should still get 12volts ff the grey lead on 2 &3 coil. Any advice would be great Phil Baker UK

[@Steel-Gunner]

I have an issue you may be able to help me with? I have been messing with my1980 Yamaha xs1100 for weeks. Cylinder 1 and 4 work fine. Cylinder 2 and 3 have no spark. I have already put brand new coils , plugs, wires. Still nothing on 2 and 3. Any tips on a way to test cdi or a way to diagnose without just throwing money at it?

[@ANDY5]

G’day mate, watch this video. I walk through testing the ignition system to diagnose the reg/rec and the TCI. As there is no way of testing the TCI directly you have to test it by a process of elimination kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqO5l52kra2EhdE

[@Steel-Gunner]

@@ANDY5 you sir are awesome! Thanks alot for the info. After some testing I came to the conclusion the cdi ignition box was bad. I ordered a used one on Ebay and slapped it on and it is now running on all 4 cylinders! I have a little work left but its getting there.

[@backyardmech6728]

fiirst of all thank you for your videos and second ive got a problem with my ignition on my 79 yamaha xs 1100 special i bought used pick up coils that goes on the crank cause the wires on the others were hacked so bad that i couldnt put a butt connerctor on well it ran fine for about a week cause i was riding to and from work on it and on the way in it started to miss fire like i wasnt getting spark then after i got off work to ride it home 30 miles it wouldnt rev above 2 thousand rpm and it would back fire out the exhaust and intake on cylinders 3 and 4 and sometimes on cylinder 1 and 2 while sitting in the parking lot at work and when it would rev it would only go to 3 thousand rpm ive put smaller jets in the carb checked wiring and also checked tci iginition box for coils i think it was like 450 or 500 ohms any idea what it could be

[@marktooke8759]

Hi mate you do well explaing well done 🇬🇧 I own a xs1100 Yamaha 1979 chop but the T1D 14 /01 egniter unit, the brain 🧠 is fried the guy who I bought bike has mucked about wires there are 12 terminals but I want to rewire the bike have you a break down as what wire goses to where I could then pull out the old wiring and follow the sequence by putting the right wires many thanks great video keep safe 👍 maca

[@briankuiper4070]

Very helpful. When I look at my wiring diagram, I go cross eyed lol. Wondering what you think about this, I have an 82 XJ1100. I get spark to the 2&3 coil but not the 1&4. Tested the coil and it's still good. Replaced the pick up coils. Do you think it would be a bad T.C.I.?

[@ANDY5]

G'day Brian. Sadly it is difficult to diagnose TCI issues, even more difficult over the interwebs. The only way is by process of elimination. I suggest swapping the plugs on the coils and see if the problem shifts to the 2/3 coil. Failing that I suggest trying to get another TCI from a known running bike and swap it in for a test. You can always eliminate the TCI completely by installing an aftermarket electronic ignition. Andy

[@jjptech]

i was think of doing a poorman TCI from two single chinese CDI for single cilinder or just pick up a CDI from a chinese Virago copy "keeway supershadow" hope it works, What do you think? Thnks in advance

[@joetossoun6624]

Great video help very helpful can you help Xs will not fire ( cranks over ) resisting gets very hot no spark . Joe

[@magnusandersen4682]

Andy, your videos is just incredible! I have just one question in mind - is there any way I can make sure that the timing is set right? Im thinking at the disk where you can make sure the pistons are in top position etc.

[@ANDY5]

Hi Magnus, Ignition timing is set using a timing light connected to #1 cylinder. At idle (1000 RPM +/- 100 RPM) the letter 'F' on the timing plate (the disc on the left hand side of the bike) should align with the pointer. Andy

[@magnusandersen4682]

Thank you Andy! But can i just count on the other 3 cylinders? I mean. If cylinder 1 is right, which it is, are the other 3 cylinders okay then? Cause If i do the same with cylinder 2 and 3, the light turns on at the arrow - the exact opposite site. (Im having issues starting my bike) :(

[@ANDY5]

Yes mate, if #1 is right the other three are okay, the timing positions are fixed. Go back to basics. You need fuel/air + spark + compression for an engine to run, and all an engine wants to do is run, so if you have those three you should be okay.

[@brianjordan7589]

I'm trying to wire a 95 virago can't find out what wires go where any help would be awsome

[@richardleonard4547]

I have a xj maxim 82 model caught fire and I have no clue what to do but a rewire any help is appreciated

[@danaisibanda3813]

Could I find another control unit besides the original 2H7-10. Any other from another motorcycle or one that works with the engine even if its an aftermarket piece

[@debbiehager8302]

I’ve got a 1981XS 1100 H and I need to see if I can use a 1979 ignition unit on a 1981 if you can show me how to how to do it or tell me how to do it and appreciate it thank you

[@tmps835]

1981 xs1100. I have 2 books and the books state the coil wires be 1 and 4, 2 and 3. Or is it 1 and 3, 2 and 4. Which way is correct. Thank you

[@ANDY5]

1&4, 2&3

[@jeanmorin3302]

Hello Andy's can repair TID 14-10 ignition unit which is install on a Maxim XJ1100 The problem is that the bike starts but does not start Thank you Jean

[@sidhansen3570]

Nice explanation!

[@ANDY5]

+Sid Hansen Thanks Sid

[@emmanuelselamolela7050]

Can you switch from tci to cdi?

[@daverayburn013]

82 xj1100...with ignition switch on motor not cranking....my plugs are firing like a stun gun...bad ignition module?

[@rayjenkins230]

I have a 1981 Yamaha virago I'm having a hard time finding a good used TCI can I put any other tci or CDI I don't want to spend three hundred dollars for a new one I would pay around a hundred

[@clintonpauling2058]

does any one know if you have to have the lights hooked up as well for the TCI to let the bike start?

[@nikolausfalor7143]

hey i have a 93 virago 750 i think my tci box is failing. It will start up just fine but after 2 minutes of riding i lose power. Does this sound like a tci or coil problem?

[@ANDY5]

Hi Nikolaus, it sounds likeTCI

[@calvin720]

does it just like cut spark all together? wont start up till you let it sit for a minute? Because i have an 1985 virago 750 and thats what it does, ride it for a couple minutes and it just shuts off. Wondering if you replaced your TCI and taht solved the problem? Thanks

[@abubakariabdulaiabubakari9112]

Hi Father from you place to Ghana can I get tci unit?

[@danaisibanda3813]

May I have the TCI unit part number for a 1979 xs1100...I bought the motorcycle but the unit was missing I am looking for where to get one

[@ANDY5]

The part number is 2H7-82305-10-00 but it will have 2H7-10 in raised letters on the top face of the unit itself.

[@danaisibanda3813]

@@ANDY5 thank you very much. You are so helpful

[@gusfierro7040]

Could someone help me find link to purchase dyna coils for 1980 xs11special Yamaha

[@kurtlewis5943]

Where does the blue wire go. And the white wire go

[@jerrymartino9943]

i just got a 1980 yamaha sx850 and i have no spark also

[@liviu2004]

Pump up the mic.