CDI Repair

Sometimes an older motorcycle or in this case my tractors CDI will fail, and you will have no spark.
A short term trick to get the CDI to work when this happens, is to heat the whole CDI box with a hot air gun so it's hot to the touch, or apply pressure to the broadsides of the box. These two two short term fixes work by forcing failing contact points of cold solder and components back together but it is temporary and makes the engine unreliable for starting.
If you find yourself at this point, like me, you have some choices to make. Either see how long you can go with just heating up the CDI box or clamping it, or shucking out $$ and just buying a new CDI box.
In this video, I am showing a complete repair that will last for many years to a failing CDI box for my Honda 5518 tractor. I have used this same method in the past for "old" motorcycle CDI's and the majority of the time it works - though is not foolproof.
If you are sure your CDI is the culprit for unreliable or no spark, you have some basic soldering skills, have good vision, have about an hour to kill, and want to save yourself some money, you might want to try my fix. Enjoy!
If you like my video consider donating to keep the videos coming. Thank you.
============================================
DONATIONS
BTC - 3M61Tde5LH1qtdLJuuHzZgdqfz5zouy5aq
ETH - 0x8849CBCa18369773D33A69D1b939dc1a8823A77e
SHIB - 0x4bfCedf5A7F7d5bA90C4F173225E9851Ef83D1F5

[@kpfoten]

This saved my butt today-thank you for posting!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

kpfoten glad to hear that, it’s helped me plenty of times too!

[@beta6954]

sir you saved me $200, Im about to buy a new spark unit for my 1984 cbx 750 then I tried this, it worked :). When you look at the pcb it looks like in order but when you start reflowing the solder one by one, you'll notice the brittle, cracked, missing solder points :)

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

This fix has saved me plenty of times. It’s not 100% because there can be other problems (bad components) but all things equal it works most of the time. I usually go over the board with a 10x jewelers loupe before closing everything back up. Good luck.

[@homerdodd4264]

Great video. I have heard of this problem before; cracked solder joints. Repairing/resoldering usually fixes most problems. I also head that most of the time the capacitors, resistors, etc themselves are not the problem; just the solder joints. Thanks for the walk through !!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Correct. Caps and resistors in CDI’s do not go bad so much, its usually cold solder issue. But capacitors and resistors do go bad. If you ever get an old B&O Beomaster 1900 stereo like I did, they are a rough go replacing the caps, resistors and bulbs - but they do sound sweet when you do!

[@fredmitchel1236]

Nice repair...I might try this on my weak SEM CDI for 1996 KTM 550 Good job ...

[@camphillips8621]

Excellent advice and clear instruction. Just operated on my CDI module, reinstalled it; the Four Traxx fired right up and ran fine. Thanks for posting your video.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

This fix should last quite awhile if it works, since it means it was indeed a cold solder problem and not an issue with any of the components. Have riding!👍

[@user-zt2cc7qq9b]

@@MaineGreenCrabs Great video! That CDI looks identical to the one in my old atc250r. I wonder if they are interchangeable.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

@@user-zt2cc7qq9b unless its the same engine, which it isnt, no. Would it make it fire? Possibly. Would it likely ruin the engine because its signaling the wrong time and intensity of spark? Yes.

[@jameshawkins3312]

Tried this repair on a 1986 Yamaha ag200 which would randomly loose spark and die on me, happy to report that so far shes running like a new bike! One difference was the cdi box was made of steel so it was slower to cut the lid off. I found it quite difficult to solder all the tiny connections even with moderate previous experience at soldering, could have been easier with a pointier soldering iron though. Still have to figure out how i'm going to reattach the lid though since i believe welding would destroy it, maybe silicon, although silicon can conduct some electricity so hmmm i'll work something out. Thank you for the helpful video!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Glad it helped you! Yes CDI’s made from aluminum can be harder to cut, but a good hacksaw will do it with CDI lightly held in a vice. The soldering can be very tedious for sure, an option if you have a reflow station is to use the heat gun on that to reflow the solder but that can be more risky if you over heat. I’d seal it back up with JB Weld. Clamp the CDI and apply the JBW, all the way around and it should hold fine.

[@terrymaines69]

Thanks John I have a 4518 have replaced the cdi box back in 96 mower is a 92. Gonna try your repair the oem one. Thanks again!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Terry Maines if it’s not starting or not starting reliably and you’ve isolated the CDI as the problem this is at least worth a try.

[@lilman1796]

Im going to try this on my tomos ,thanks for the video, everone very nice way to save money and restore old Parts as backup emergency parts for Road trips ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

I wasn’t the first to do it, I hope I’m not the last. Have fun and keep riding as long as it will run!

[@niltonsilvia7496]

Muito bom, belo trabalho. Parabéns.

[@oathbringer_1260]

Thank you, this was insanely helpful

[@caseyhardison4320]

I'll be attempting this fix tomorrow as I cannot find a CDI for my 1984 Kawasaki KLT250C (3 wheeler). Thank you!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Good luck. Take your time use a 10x loupe if you have one to look to at the solder, and be thorough. That will increase your chances.

[@twowheelmotoring]

This worked perfect for my ATV. Thank you

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Good to hear! Sometimes it does not work if the issue is with a component, but if it’s a cold solder issue this usually does the trick.

[@twowheelmotoring]

@@MaineGreenCrabs looked like some dry joints. It’s been a few days and hasn’t played up since.

[@spasmolytic2]

awesome buddy good job!

[@electrode007]

Great video here John. Thank you for posting this. This fix will save me over $900. Yipee!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Dan Ward that’s an expensive CDI! The CDI for my tractor is $250, this type of fix is a reasonable option if you have a good machine but new CDI’s are either not available any more or prohibitively expensive. Good luck.

[@electrode007]

@@MaineGreenCrabs thanks! yeah it is. I actually discovered that my issue was the flywheel magnets not the CDI.

[@YMJCMJC]

Good video thanks

[@landmark4928]

Thanks much 4 sharing

[@chrisstokley7687]

awesome! FYI= weld plastic with the solder gun and zip ties ...melt them in hole.. slow melts and hardens as go.. strong and less likely to run insideon board . i used zip ties for plastic wheel barel cracks... works great ! for bigger cracks ..i use bigger solder gun and bigger zip ties

[@michaelm7594]

Very cool thanks for sharing

[@savingoldbikes4387]

Michael M I’ve got a couple other videos related to testing and replacing, though unfortunately no repair, for coils and condensers for old motorcycles that use points. Early bikes (engines in general) that started using CDI are more problematic to get parts for ironically so repairing is often the only option.

[@stevev8294]

Thank you

[@nancyisabell4863]

Good job!

[@murraykriner9425]

Success! Thankfully none of the internal components were faulty or you would not have gotten off so easily. Many electromechanical devices have similar issues, relays being a very common item. Bravo.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Yup. Ive had CDI’s where the component was popped. The only way to get to it was super destructive to the board - soaking it acetone. So it really wasn’t a good idea. I never figured a way to get that epoxy off otherwise. Do you know any other way?

[@murraykriner9425]

@@MaineGreenCrabs epoxy is a sealed for life sort of deal with cheaper offerings out there boasting a ready fix, but that's rarely the case isn't it. Had brand new electronics and sensors both fail or never work as the one size fits all philosophy rarely works. If all the electronics materials sales places still sold to the public, with a little ready smarts and small package of components a person might fashion one himself. Most of the components are cheap enough, just not readily found these days.

[@johnkomosa4089]

The old fashioned way pick it out, time consuming but it is doable.

[@pugbug288]

I have to say thanks for this video. I’m a long time Honda guy and I just bought a RT5000 that I assume at this point has this CDI issue. The fuel solenoid is giving me a hard time. I will give this a shot.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Pugbug288 this is exactly the scenario this fix is for. Good luck!

[@keen9629]

You could also use the soldering gun to melt the plastic for a water proof seal.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Yes, I weld the plastic on my old motorcycles, the risk with that for the CDI is it is often not 100% water tight or the seam can open up. It won’t with JB or two part epoxy. But plastic welding is a a definite option.

[@imransiddiqui1003]

Very good

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Imran Siddiqui and is working very well still. Temperature here has been 12 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit and snow. It started right up yesterday, and I still have my old battery in it.

[@jeffreyseaward3783]

This worked for me on a 1985 NS400R CDI.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Jeffrey Seaward Great that your keeping a fun old bike like that going!

[@spongbob18]

i have a nsr 125 that missing around 7 8k ive tested everything coil stator sparkplug they all test fine and its came out of nowhere aswell do we think the cdi would be the culprit im sure i can hear a clicking sparking sound inside it.

[@DifferentRides]

Just ordered a cd for my honda cm... will give it a try on the old one now 😅👌

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Glad you were able to get a new CDI, that’s not always possible older bikes, or low production, there are a number of people who do this fix with CDI’s for Honda Transalps. Good luck👍🏻

[@DifferentRides]

@@MaineGreenCrabs it's not a new one, second hand but it's working, at least what seller told me. But bare with me, not all cdi have that gummy protection, you'll be amazed what's protecting the cm one 😅

[@revueltaroja2486]

Damn! smart guy!!! with cojones!

[@ryanferris7841]

Amazing my Honda outboard CDI unit is messing about a new 1 cost a bomb! Mine looks identical to yours, I am going to try your method thanks

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

They look very similar, and the connectors are standardized (now), but unless it’s for the same engine, they are quite different. If you’ve pretty much ruled out other possibilities and new, NOS or used but verified working are expensive or just non existent, this is a good option versus parting out the engine. It doesn’t always work, but if you take your time and go over everything carefully it can pay off. Good luck👍🏻

[@ryanferris7841]

@@MaineGreenCrabs I cut the top of it and the all the joints look very good shiny solder no cracks, I cannot access the rest because it’s foam filled I’m buying 1 from a Honda outboard dealer 👍

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

@@ryanferris7841 If you have the case apart, and have the time, why not just go through with your solder iron and reflow each component? I have done enough that I’ve seen some that did not have cold solder, but the solder didn’t grab the board well and it’s extremely hard to see because it’s around the rim of the solder where it meets the board.

[@ryanferris7841]

@@MaineGreenCrabs New 1 ordered now I’m moving on lol very expensive.

[@johnkomosa4089]

Try it and see, then you will have a back up. The parts guys love you. Ah ha.😄

[@shobiabbasi4291]

❤❤❤❤thank you very much I love you sir

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Good luck with your project, hope this works for you!

[@dylantaylor608]

I just bought the same one you fixed for 5 bucks.

[@dylantaylor608]

But thank you for the video.

[@jesusmrosarios6450]

hola amigo buen video por favor nesecito ayuda con el diagrama o como conecctar el cdi de una kx85 f8t37874

[@integmy]

I think my cdi need more than resolder. I thought we can reach the component side on the pcb board. Thx for the video.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Shahmin Baharuddin Usually the components do not fail, but some times they do. The only good way to get to them is soaking the whole CDI in acetone, which can easily damage the PC board. Good luck.

[@affanghazali]

You can rather try to pry the epoxy off without soaking it in acetone but again you've to do that with great care otherwise you might damage any of the component on PCB. Take your time and do it precisely.

[@dutchtennhard2860]

Dam you are good saved my ass

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Glad it helped, has helped me a bunch of times when there just wasn’t an easy or affordable CDI for older motorcycle. And in this case, my tractor.

[@SALESPRODUCTIONS]

In the industry this is called a "dry joint" and is incredibly common in import cars and of course other things - but the "other things" ( appliances etc . . ) are usually so cheap no one takes the time and effort to figure out the dry joint issue and repair it - they just throw the stuff away ( in our modern disposable society ). So anyway - as a car mechanic - I can tell you that small circuit boards like this can stop an ( older high mileage ) import car from starting / running. And running down the issue is sometimes difficult. Long story short - you can simply melt the solder on all dry joints until they flow together and this can fix the whole deal. Also - some of the dry joints are so bad they are physical separations you can easily see without your reading glasses etc . .

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Good points. I’ve reflowed several CDI’s from old motorcycles, I’ve tried it in an oven and the case warped, then just using my reflow station and working my across the board and really controlling the heat, but most of the time just the soldering iron and maybe a bit of fill on dull spots gets the job done. I had a CDI that was bad on a ‘84 Honda VFR500F that I salvaged from a guys wood pile, though it’s possible to get new rebuilt CDI’s for them, I really didn’t want to spend the money on that, and that the boards are just slid into a plastic housing, it made the most sense to repair vs throw away or drop several hundred on. That’s really the scenario I did the video for, and though there’s no guarantees, but it’s a repair option worth trying before spending money.

[@ALEXANDERCRETA1]

Nice vid i would like to sow the result of weld before byou seal it

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

If you test the CDI on the engine before putting the backing back on, just be sure not to let it touch any metal or get any moisture in there when you seal it up, Ive done both. Good luck!

[@ALEXANDERCRETA1]

@@MaineGreenCrabs o.k thanks

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

What is the harm if getting the JB weld inside the CDI? I’m looking a re-sealing mi e for a Mercury Outboard, it needs to be waterproof.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

JBWeld two part epoxy is considered an insulator so electrically its ok. Just be aware if you get any on the board thats it, you wont be going back in again, it wont come off the IC board without a fight and it will win. Good luck! 👍

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

John Painter would JB water weld putty be a better alternative?

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Livetofish Outboard Repair I dont know, I haven’t used it for this type of application, sorry.

[@LivetofishOutboardRepair]

John Painter thanks for your reply. I think I’ll give it a try and see what happens.

[@Maxumized]

I believe the box should be mounted loose. It’s the resonating vibrations that cause the solder joints to fail.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Loose mounted CDI’s get banged around on tractors and dirt bikes, might be ok on street bikes driven easy. Cold solder cracks happen because the solder went in cold, could be heating/cooling thermal cycles that produce cracks or vibrations and finally does it in could also be lead free solder cracks a lot too. Good solder rarely cracks. Sucks when it happens, but you can usually tell as the engine gets harder and harder to start and everything else is good. Good luck

[@johnkomosa4089]

You both bring up good points, Kawasaki rubber mounts their cdi s as I sure others do also, providing a suspention and vibration dampiner. Your comments about lead free solder are interesting, I agree with both of you.

[@ivannovoselac3518]

Just cracked flux repair ok, what if you must replace some components on other side?

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

ivan novoselac it’s risky since you have to soak the whole CDi in acetone. That will eat away the epoxy and expose the components. The issue is, it can etch the metal on PCB and make the situation worse. That said, it can work, and if you have no other options why not try. Good luck!

[@affanghazali]

You can rather try to pry the epoxy off without soaking it in acetone but again you've to do that with great care otherwise you might damage any of the component on PCB. Take your time and do it precisely.

[@danielsalinas770]

Do you hear it up or do you have to open it two questions

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Before you go to this extreme of actually cutting open the case, one of the “fixes” is to heat the CDI with a hotair gun or hair dryer on the highest setting. It should be almost too hot to hold, like toast out of the toaster. If that makes your engine start then you’ve also diagnosed the problem. It will only be a matter of time before even that trick stops working. Only after that, even heating up the CDI and it still wont start do you open the case, once its open you always run the risk of getting moisture inside and doing more damage. Good luck!👍

[@carterlyons4026]

How could I repair my cdi if the front plug is coming off

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Carter Lyons if it’s just the plastic clip that’s lose, I’d put some JB Weld on it.

[@thilankathusitha741]

here's how to make a rectifier work properly

[@lifeononeweel3008]

Where

[@DieselRamcharger]

flux it and hot air. do the whole board quick and easy.

[@Maxumized]

I’d seal with silicone and then black tape in case you want to repeat the job

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Silicone and electric tape do not hold up well, but would probably work for awhile. Generally if you have been careful and gotten all the cold solder fixed, you do not need to open it up again. Good luck.

[@adeyemibabatunde1814]

The components were not checked The box was not tested before applying jb weld

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Thats why this is a DIY home repair video😉

[@magicone9327]

I am confused a little. You didn't show that the repair of soldering was actually the repair that solved the issue. Then you resealed the lid before you tested the repair. Why wouldn't you have tested before you sealed it back up?

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

The CDI was literally dead/non functional. The tractor finally stopped turning over, I had tested everything else and knew it was the CDI. Prior to this I had been using the heat gun trick on it, and the tractor was starting, but that’s always the last gasp for CDI’s. So I was already prepared to spend a couple hundred on a NOS CDI. It was just last ditch effort to save a couple hundred bones, nothing to lose if it didn’t work. Most of the time when I open them up and look with a loupe, I can often see the cold solder hairline cracks, but generally if the solder is dull/frosted looking it’s bad. Good solder will be very glossy. I’ve done this a number of times to old motorcycles I’ve rebuilt, and am fairly confident when I try this fix. If you choose to try it before sealing it back up be careful not to let any moisture get on the board or let it touch any metal or you may short it - then it’s really done. Good luck.

[@charlespick248]

Appreciate this post. Did not help me. All integati circuits looking good after cracking open cdi,ecu Polaris 2008 rzr Did some continuity tests, all good.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

This is just a last ditch effort when you know your CDI is failing, so it’s not a 100% fix. Sorry to hear, are you sure it’s even the CDI giving you trouble? I swore I had a bad CDI on older Honda XR once, turned out it was a bad ground... it was so aggravating chasing that down! Good luck.

[@jonandrew229]

Or buy a new one for 6 dollars

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

LoL, yup though hard to do when the vehicle and parts are out of production. Otherwise of course if the CDI is still in production and affordable or you can source a NOS or known workings one, definitely the best options. Its just not always possible.

[@edzlyndeocampo4467]

How about the cdi battry operated is not working..is there availlable cdi in the market?? & how mch..tnx mch

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

edzlyn deocampo I’m not sure I understand the question, I’m not familiar with CDI’s that have a battery, generally they do not. If your engine turns over, you know the battery is good, if it’s not turning over you possibly need a new battery or have a bad solenoid or have a short somewhere and you need to trouble shoot where the problem is. Good luck.

[@edzlyndeocampo4467]

@@MaineGreenCrabs ahhh..ok..tnx mch👍👍

[@Hsenag87]

Can u explain how to remove speed limit from ac 6 pin cdi.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Do you mean derestrict the rev limiting function of the CDI? For a good engine why, they’re built that way for a reason, why mess with it? For a scooter or some cheap engine you’re playing around with, it’s completely not worth it, soaking the CDI in acetone to expose the PC board would also eat away at the PC board, you can buy a new CDI for $8 that’s built that way. I’ve heard that just detaching one of the grounds at the CDI accomplishes the same thing, but that might only be on two stroke scooters, I’ve never messed with that.

[@cesarzamora2100]

How much is the cost per repair my unit cdi

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Sorry, its a self help video only.

[@sampathgurusinghe3944]

cant you remove glue of unit using chemical ??? pls tell me chemical.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Sampath Gurusinghe it is not “glue” it is epoxy. You can use acetone to remove it by soaking the CDI in the acetone. However that will often destroy pc board. It is much riskier than the process I used. But feel free to experiment and see what happens.

[@sampathgurusinghe3944]

@@MaineGreenCrabs mr John thanks for your advice. i will try it. cant we get circuit diagram of CDI units. or simple circuit(like common) thank u.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Sampath Gurusinghe I’m sure there’s a circuit diagram somewhere on the internet, not sure why you’d need it. If you have the time and ability to make your own CDI why not just do that? Otherwise my video is meant for the average DIY person if they want to try to save a CDI that is not possible to get a replacement for or costs too much. With enough time and money I’m sure you can do what ever you want. Good luck.

[@brianb5779]

@@sampathgurusinghe3944 Dont know if this will help you being awhile ago you posted this but i found The Learning Zone has incredible info on these...Circuit breakdown and everything..

[@bingisrinivas1092]

AC CDI all bikes installation CDI videos please

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Bingi Srinivas I do not understand your question. If you’re asking whether CDI’s convert the bikes AC to DC so it can run other things like lights the answer is no, that’s what the rectifier does. Sorry I don’t understand what you’re asking. ☹️

[@atourochman1240]

@@MaineGreenCrabs may be Bingi wants u make video how to make ac cdi for all bike

[@charlespick248]

Tried oven moisture fix, no help.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

No need to put in an oven, you’re not trying to reflow or remove moisture just get things to expand a tad. A heat gun is all you need, but it doesn’t work all time. Sorry to hear.

[@user-hn4sh8ud6y]

Reasons for defuse of cdi

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Ajay Dhumal I’m not sure I understand your question. Are you asking why the CDI stopped working? If so, it ‘cold solder’. It happens when the original solder wasn’t the right temperature when everything was put together (flat dull sheen to the solder versus shiny like a mirror) and the cold soldered spot cracks over time. Hope I answered your question.

[@amarkoripolicewala6161]

Honda cbr 250 r ecm (cdi) how to repair

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Jio Services not quite the same as CDI, the ecm/ecu controls most or all electronic functions in new bikes. Regardless you’ll need to test it to figure out what’s wrong, I’m not familiar with their repair, and you might be able to pick up a functioning one on eBay at a reasonable price depending on year if your bike. Good luck.

[@larryalexander4833]

@@MaineGreenCrabs their is post talking about using the oven to heat cdi box at around 250 degrees for around 10 minutes give a little either way . Lote people say it works ? If not working at all worth a shot .

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Larry Alexander no need for an oven, a hair dryer or heat gun will work - old motorcyclist trick. You need to heat the CDI up so it’s almost too hot to hold then quickly plug it back in and try to start. It works quite often at the beginning of the failure. It’s not a fix, eventually fairly quick, it will stop working. What you’re doing is heating up the CDI so that the cracks in solder expand and make a connection until it cools off. The fix I’m showing often works but not always, by reflowing the cracks in the solder that have happens because of poor solder being heated and cooled over a long period of time.

[@nouramirdamadi4511]

guys my issue is.more basic lol. how do these connections work. I cant disconnect my cdi.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

There’s a few different types connectors, but generally theres some type of plastic pin in the center you need to slightly lift and pull the connector off the CDI. A little fiddling with it and you’ll get it.

[@baycolevlog3495]

this is cdi suzuki or honda

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

moto mnvn it happens to be a Honda 5518 tractor, but the CDI boxes are all constructed the same way, even the old aluminum ones. You can do the same procedure on any of them regardless if it’s on a tractor, motorcycle, jet ski, etc.

[@baycolevlog3495]

@@MaineGreenCrabs thanks. i cut cdi suzuki 110cc same you . but i can not repair it

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

moto mnvn are you able to solder? The point of the video is how to repair cold solder cracks that happen in the CDI. By exposing the back side of the pcb board, you can see if any of the solder is dull or has hairline cracks (I have some cheap jewelers glasses for that) you can then use a soldering iron to remelt the solder which repairs cold solder cracks that cause the CDI to not work. In rare cases a capacitor may be blown or resistor, etc. Those are much harder to replace because they are on the other side of the board and encased in epoxy, you can remove the epoxy by soaking the whole CDI in acetone, but that almost always causes corrosion to the etching on the pcb in my experience.

[@ldngurte9742]

Hew ta tepale my yamaha ybr cdi

[@ldngurte9742]

How ta repair

[@RoyChavezSer]

DC CDI?

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

RoyChavezSer not sure if that’s a question or statement.... either way it makes no difference if the CDI is powering an AC or DC system, this repair is done exactly the same way.

[@mrutherford8590]

they say you can heat them in the oven at 300 for 10 min and it will fix them 75% of the time

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

“They”? Your welcome to try, though 300 wont reflow solder. It will melt many plastics so be careful if you try. You can, initially, heat the CDI with a hairdryer on high, heat gun on medium or oven at about 150 so it s almost too hot to hold. If you quickly plug it back in or heated it on the vehicle it often will often do the trick and get it to start. It starts because of the heat expanding the solder, not melting it. After a number of times this technique will fail too as it ultimately expands the existing cracks in the solder too much. But its a stop gap measure I e used. Good luck. 👍🏻

[@bowthruster7525]

Your AC CDI is in good condition, i think the primary coil of your tractor devalues that's why it can't give your engine a better performance.

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

The coil is fine, checked that early on. The CDI was bad, once this fix was done, it started quickly and reliably. I’ve had this issue on a number of “old” motorcycles, the fix is not 100%, but it does usually work and saves the time and money of chasing down an old CDI when it’s out of production and/or too expensive. 👍🏻

[@bowthruster7525]

@@MaineGreenCrabs good👍👍👍 but you can use dc cdi too for accurate and reliable firing.

[@mohamedarthil6249]

it would have been better if you show the issue before repairing

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Mohamed Arthil LOL, I say at the start of the video “my tractor isn’t starting unless I use a heat gun to warm up the CDI”. It would be funny to have a video of a tractor not starting, I might have to try that. In the mean time..... 🚜

[@mohamedarthil6249]

@@MaineGreenCrabs haha.. i didnt notice it.. 😅

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

Mohamed Arthil maybe my next video of an engine not starting, then heating up the CDI and it starts. It’s a short term solution that works and shows the CDI is the problem, and 99% cold solder issue requiring replacement or my fix.

[@mohamedarthil6249]

@@MaineGreenCrabs what is cold solder.. is that the cause for CDI issues like engine misfires ?

[@savingoldbikes4387]

Mohamed Arthil “cold solder” means that the original soldering was not good (too cold, usually the solder has a matt not a good glossy sheen) and is more susceptible to cracking thus the various components to dont have good contact on the PC board. That’s why heating the CDI (making everything expand and briefly touch) some times gets it work

[@larryhullinger4141]

Just buy a new one Damn things are dirt cheap

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

On some small engines sure, I wouldn’t do it on much more than a cheap lawn mower (a lot of small Chinese engines eg in scooters etc use CDI’s that will work ok in Honda and Yamaha since the Chinese engines are clones of them) but they usually won’t run right, and can cause damage if put into other engines. This is more likely in older engines or higher performance engines. This Honda tractor has a pretty good engine, I wouldn’t put a China CDI in it.

[@mitropoulosilias]

does not even worth it.. they cost 5-15dollars and genuine 15-35..

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

This video is for older engines out of production, in this case my tractor where there are no new CDI’s or limited and thus expensive CDI’s in production specific to that engine. Some CDI’s can cost several hundred dollars, if you can find one, this is especially the case for older motorcycles when the industry was changing from points to CDI ignition systems. But for sure if you have a new engine, particularly cheaper engines like the Chinese GY engines in so many things it makes sense to just buy new.

[@mitropoulosilias]

@@MaineGreenCrabs ohh yeas we also have no right to repair anymore.. good job anyway!

[@MaineGreenCrabs]

You always have the right to repair hardware, like CDI. Sadly for vehicles with computers we frequently don’t have the right yet, to fix software. Much like jail breaking iPhones back in the day, I think the same will happen for vehicles.

[@mitropoulosilias]

@@MaineGreenCrabs saddly yes they will. they re going to have a small microcontroller in every part and tie it to the "cdi" cpu" of the car and throught the software you will have to update software if you replace anything.. adding cost to final products and complexity that dont really nedd. . and always need a certified technician that usually is overprised. (just like the story about MCDonalds ice cream machines) thats why i like older simple motorcycles, they dont brake down and easy to repair if they do.. they will say that it is about safety and privacy! greedy as f..

[@macbdo]

either the cdi was a paid actor or it was never broke . hes trying to spoof the whole interworld

[@savingoldbikes4387]

macbdo 1996 LOL

[@joef.3094]

EVIDENCE FOR YOUR CLAIM ?

[@SDeanP]

Hopefully you're just attempting to be humorous ...hard to tell, but cold solder issues have plagued electrical components since soldering came into use. What he has shown can be applied to real world problems as shown. I said that for the sake of those you would lead away.