Yamaha Virago XV 535 - No Spark

[@stephenpebody5453]

Great thanks ,Ian having the same problems, as I now after longer than two days and without the manual, think I plugged the pickup into the electrical fuel pump, but cant remember as as acquired mental breakdown

[@Rob64z900]

Nothing worse than an electrical problem. You can end up going around in circles trying to sort it. Glad you got it fixed. Stay safe mate. 👍👍

[@Broxi57]

Worse thing ever is intermittent electrical faults. They never seem to occur when you're trying to find them, only when you are out in the middle of nowhere!

[@MackieBass]

It's exactly what I did..but glad it wasn't too bad in the end.

[@memybikeni9931]

Intermittent problems still tend to have a permanent and constant fault that can be traced if done methodically.

[@brwhyon]

At 13:26 POW ! We got fire ! I've heard that these bikes have issues with the wiring shorting out along the top side of the frame, still I would love get ahold of one to turn into a cafe bike. Always enjoy the content Mackie. You remind me of my late son Alex, same fucking attitude, just in a different dialect. Rock On Fam ! !

[@MackieBass]

Thanks Bryon for your kind words. How's thing with you anyway? Hope you are keeping safe?

[@cbrblade2705]

top marks for the save, and staying with it fix it, I always tell people to get a manual every time they get a bike, they are definitely the bible for bikes. and on a side note, i just want to say thank you for the great video's you have posted, i picked up some great tips for painting from you. I restored the nose cone paint last summer on my cbr900 rrv, i did the plastic primer and then grey scotchbrite to flatten it, then i left it for 4 days to out gas, then i did 3-4 black coats and grey scotchbrite to take the shine off it, left it for 4 daysthen put new declas on and left it again for a few more days to out gas, then did spraymax 2k gloss clear coat, 3 -4 coats and left it for 3days, then colour sanded it with 1000, 1500 and used g10 polishing compound and it was like glass, i left it for a month and then did the resin polish and other autoglym products, its got to be the best paint job i have ever done, so a big thanks again for all video's you have posted, stay safe mate, great channel.

[@MackieBass]

Wow! nice one. I wouldn't have written theinstruction better myself. This is exactly how I would tackle this! Job well done bud, a little bit of patience and wait time inbetween coats and results can be stunning indeed! I'm glad my vids helped youout a little bit. Nice one and thanks for sharing!

[@wickedfood]

Thanks for this video man, immensely helpful.

[@MackieBass]

Glad to hear it!

[@mohdnizammohdhasan4808]

Tq mate...just seen yours vid...its helpful much for me...im just bought one virago 535...tq cheers

[@malcolmbrady1958]

Well done Mackie !!! Shame you didn't video the Pickup Coil replacement !! Good informative video ! Thanks for posting ! Stay Safe !!!

[@MackieBass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BugsWisely]

So tell me: when you got the new pickup coil; what was the ohms reading?

[@JoseHerrera-e6o]

Very good mu fried

[@andyc750]

nicely done, always pays to check the manual first, but you got there so job is a good one

[@MackieBass]

Yes man, manual is a must, yet often forgotten - guilty as charged.

[@JoseHerrera-e6o]

Good❤

[@gambiarrasdomourao]

Thank you! I tried to find brazilian videos about this problem, but i couldnt find nothing. I followed your steps and notice that my 535 has the same issue.

[@HepcatHarley]

A well deserved beer, well done. Don't tell me about electrics, I've had it all up to my neck the last few weeks lol

[@MackieBass]

You and me both! I've seen it. Looking good!

[@nemesisabaddon5628]

Nice tutorial & protocol that can by applied to any motorcycle (with no too much electronics)… That's how I spotted regulator ground cable issue on my 990 Superduke… I like also your "how to" format videos… Thanks & Ride Safe. VVV

[@MackieBass]

What was up with you SD990? Lovely bike. And yes, the video should be titled - how not to be an idiot - use your manual! ;)

[@nemesisabaddon5628]

I had idle issues on cold starts & when I checked the voltage at +3500 rpm, it was below 14V... So thought that the regulator/rectifier had charging issues & ordered a new Arrowhead USA regulator… As you know, the battery compartment on the 990 Superduke is in the engine bottom spoiler and the the regulator is on the top of it and while replacing the regulator, I noticed that one of the 2 ground cables bolted on the "minus" connector of the battery was rubbing against the return oil circuit metal pipe just beneath front cylinder and all the plastic around the cable was gone creating short-circuit !!! Old regulator was fine !!! If I had followed the "search for issue" protocol written on the 990 LC8 workshop manual that I had, I would have saved 70€ & lots of headaches by just re-isolating the faulty ground main relay damaged cable….

[@MackieBass]

@@nemesisabaddon5628 Glad you got t sorted! I had the same problem, never got to the bottom of it, but it went away somehow in its own? Strange. I will double check good ground connetcion!

[@johnjeremiah2436]

Fantastic video great job mate

[@MackieBass]

Glad you enjoyed it, we had a great time

[@richhemmings]

I think what you're saying is we should have two of each bike we own? Good work Mackie!

[@MackieBass]

LoL, yes - exactly the point mate ;) Wouldn't it be nice!

[@thediybeard2260]

Glad you fixed it

[@MackieBass]

Me too my good man. How's that Bolt treating you?

[@thediybeard2260]

@@MackieBass getting there mate. Just need this lockdown end and can go for a blast

[@springy-2112]

Hey Buddy good result ! and of course I would done exactly the same after all who needs the workshop manual ? oh yeah , we do ! 👍🏻☮❤

[@MackieBass]

You know it man. I keep telling myself to read it...yet I hardly do. I'll never learn.

[@mickusable]

Good job Mackie, sometime you have to put your manhood aside and get help, we’ve all been there 🤘

[@MackieBass]

Been there and will get there again, no doubt :)

[@adnanothman7240]

I experienced once then I thought of trouble shooting complex parts i.e magneto and coil but still not found the cause. I follow on bringing my bike to low profile workshop, where the mechanic asked me to get s simple thing - spark plug sockets cost USD24 fixed at the tip of wires connected to the front and rear cylinders' coils. My lesson learn was to begin tshooting with a simple thing first.

[@MackieBass]

We've all been there my good man.

[@lesantamatos]

Please share source to diagnostics chart. Thanks!✌🏼😁

[@MackieBass]

It's in the manual buddy.

[@Mike-fn4ls]

@@MackieBass which manual do you mean brother? I have the Haynes and the Clymer manuals but can't find the checklist you refer to. Grateful for your help and great video, just subscribed.

[@MackieBass]

Any manual, as long its approved

[@sbkpitstopgarage8656]

Hi bro.. the main problem or reason is the pick up coil. I also got a same problem. Haven’t order my parts yet. Thanks for the great video, God bless

[@MackieBass]

Good stuff

[@dannyhampshire2825]

Great job enjoyed why we don’t look at instructions and manual I don’t now!!

[@MackieBass]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LS-uv9gg]

D'oh! Murphy's Law of course hahahahha! Sorry mate, but glad you eventually got it sorted lol

[@MackieBass]

Yeah, took me long enough, but it's all ok now!

[@davemurphy2020]

Well done Man, Great video on how to deal with the snakes wedding in a cool calm logical manner using your head and a book. Sell the bike.

[@MackieBass]

Thanks Dave, the bike found new owner already..just waiting for the new front tyre and she's all up and running ;)

[@alistairbarclay3116]

Sorry to ask but why did you not show the removal and replacement of the faulty pickup?

[@MackieBass]

It was so long ago that i cannot remember the reason. Sorry.

[@simon2knine]

Electrics can be a nightmare.A workshop manual is a must for tracing faults....Multimeter helps too. Great she is sorted and now has an mot.....

[@MackieBass]

Yes Ant, a must. Full MOT, new front tyre and a very strong spark!

[@JoshuaWilsonpossible]

You're right on the popularity of the virago! That being said, do you happen to know which CDI modules are compatible with the 87 virago 535? I've only found compatibility with a later model so far. Do they use the same CDI in the larger models from 87? They're considerably cheaper

[@MackieBass]

I'm not quite sure about that if I'm honest. But it wouldn't surprised me if they did...engine didn't change much after all...

[@thenotoriousmrtwitchmachin7004]

Ooh I haven't had a Zuber in ages!! Anyway glad you got to the bottom of it. Also recon you should get BOTH Viragos out for some comparison filming and to show off the different looks you have achieved with the same Yamaha foundation! Yes its always better to have multiple bikes! I'm gonna search for my local polish shop tomorrow and get me some Zuber or Teiski! Rock n Roll Mackie!

[@MackieBass]

Not a bad idea mate! Although they were slightly different platform to start with, being single and dual shock suspension to start with. Yes man, polish beer rocks, but my personal favourite is czech and slovak lager! can't beat that!

[@krisknebels2096]

check the kill button switch too both wires should have power or the power won't go to the cdi box some people use lube on the kill start switch use gas to clean with tooth brush cleans well the power now goes to the cdi box then coils only check wires for resistence if none if it has a cap mostly cut off the end by 2mm at the coil connection exposes more clean good wire if fuse is blown the ignition switch is going out

[@Mihaitza4ev3r]

Hello MackieBass . i have a question if i may. can you share your manual to us. so i can print it for more easy use.

[@MackieBass]

I no longer have this, sorry bud. Sold the bike some time ago.

[@brandoncornetto9328]

Hello , on your Yamaha ybr 125 cafe build . Did you modify the frame to attach that seat at all? :)

[@MackieBass]

Yes, I've cut the end and fabricated my own kicked up loop + some brackets.

[@cnclown8859]

I'm having the same problem. I got a workshop manual. it's not got the cheat sheet in like you have can you point to where it was please

[@MackieBass]

I found it online somewhere, but cannot remember where?

[@craigleeofficial]

Ive built my very first bike which happens to be s 535. Heavy customisation on the frame. And for the life of me, I can't get the front cylinder to play ball. New coil. New TCI. New Plugs. New Rectifier. Just keeps flooding fuel out the exhaust. I'm thinking it's either a pick up (which I can't seem to source) so any direction for those would be great. Or it's potentially the valve not seating correctly (the head is a replacement off an old engine that I didn't check over before assembling🤦🏻‍♂️) 98% and this problem is keeping the bike off the road for me!

[@MackieBass]

It was so long ago I couldn't possibly help now. I don't want to point you to the wrong direction, sorry boss.

[@adampruitt6481]

I have a 1982 virago 920 , and when I hook up the battery , the sparkplugs are non stop sparking ( not when starting motor ) just as soon as I turn the key on, any thoughts

[@MackieBass]

Without diagnosing it I cannot suggest anything, sorry.

[@yankeedoodle880]

At least its sorted mate, you can kick back with abeer now :)

[@MackieBass]

Already had my good man, already had!

[@davestone6109]

Do you have the diagram for the electic you tested what you used

[@MackieBass]

No, I found it online somewhere...

[@davestone6109]

Ok thanks

[@alistairleiper7427]

Hi, I have similar issue, no spark and no neutral light!? Turns over but won't start.

[@MackieBass]

Troubleshoot no spark issue

[@antonlindstrom1597]

What year is this one? Is it the one with one or two pickup coils?

[@MackieBass]

Can't remember now, it has been few years back, sorry.

[@reneguay1347]

I have a 750 virago 1992 i have spark carbs cleand cranks over fresh gas but wont start any ideas

[@MackieBass]

New spark plugs? Need spark, fuel, air. If have all 3...was the engine working previously, or you don't know?

[@reneguay1347]

@@MackieBass yes it was running 4 to 5 days ago i dont know how good a job they did cleaning

[@harrisonrich93]

Would a faulty pickup coil cause no spark On only 1 spark plug?

[@MackieBass]

Possibly, but maybe it's and HT lead?

[@daniellauridsen807]

Hey 😁 do you have that manual online?

[@MackieBass]

No to hand..I'm afraid. I bough mine.

[@chrissauer1498]

my primary coil isnt showing anything what could be the problem ?

[@MackieBass]

That's most likely the problem then... no spark?

[@chrissauer1498]

@@MackieBass yeah no spark at all,what do you think would need changing/fixing

[@stevecanvey]

What year is you bike please as struggling to find a wire diagram for a 535 with only 1 pick up coil. All I seem to find is with 2 pick up coils ,

[@antonlindstrom1597]

Did u get an anwser?

[@ahmedzainy4971]

Hi, Did it work after the replacement?

[@MackieBass]

It sure did. Also make sure the battery is fully charged!

[@johnmoore4577]

Zeppeliiiiiiiiinnnnnn yay

[@shadowdancer2131]

Glad you found the problem, with a bit of help. Hope it's the last one. Don't loose your spark. The bikes can't rock without you. ☺🤘

[@MackieBass]

Yeah man, hope it's the last one, as bike found a new owner :) Hope itwill serve him well!

[@shadowdancer2131]

@@MackieBass Hope so too. 👍

[@vipulkapoor8922]

Hello sir, i live in toronto canada and i own a xv1100 1998. I was having trouble with my virago which wouldn’t start at all i tried bump starting 10-15 times and nothing. I gave it to a. Mechanic and he changes the starter motor, stator and told me he dont want to fix it any more i dont know why. He charged my 300$ just for labour plus parts that i supplied. He told me there is no spark. The spark plugs are new. Now that im down the financial drain i dont want to give it to another mech and fix it myself. I just want to be sure it is actually a spark issue and not that the engine is bad and bike is not fixable at all. Can you guide me to figure out this problem? Seems like the mechanic hates viragos which is why he dont want to work on it. Are viragos reliable bikes? Can i solve this issue myself? Inam quite handy

[@MackieBass]

Watch the video and it will tell you step by step what to look for. Hope that helps

[@digga1667]

Is the no spark issue still sorted after swapping the pick-up???

[@MackieBass]

Yes, bike came back to life!

[@digga1667]

Looks like that's the way to go for my 535 then.......was runnin fine, now it won't start, no spark on either cylinder.......

[@MackieBass]

Make sure the battery got FULL charge

[@digga1667]

Definitely got a full battery and ive tried a different TCI unit and got the same results...........

[@muhdnuruddinmatnor1324]

I think i have a the same problem with u mate with my xv535! I check the market to buy for pickup coil but it state, pulser coil instead of pickup coil...are they the same thing? I afraid i got the wrong part.. a little help will be so much appreciate

[@MackieBass]

I'm not sure to be honest. Manual with part numbers would be helpful, I'm sure you can find these online buddy.

[@jimbob19691]

So if my coils are reading 1.5 ohms does that mean my coils are goosed? Great video by the way....

[@MackieBass]

If your coils primary and secondary are out of spec...then yes, it is most likely the issue.

[@lurkersdeed]

Hey there! What year is your bike? I've got an '87 and cannot find my spark plugs.

[@MackieBass]

It was a 1992, I don't think engine changed that much, so the spark plugs should be the same across the range.

[@lurkersdeed]

@@MackieBass oh I’ll agree to that! I just pulled off a cover on the engine and found a makeup tube in it...no spark plugs to be found. This is going to be an adventure.

[@MackieBass]

@@lurkersdeed no way. Sounds like you're having fun with it. Good luck :)

[@airbrushingbynick6071]

That statement tells me,,,,, you bloody got another bugger under the carpet....

[@MackieBass]

LOL, no I don't. Not yet anyway ;)

[@Explow23]

I checked my Virago 535 pickup coil and got 190 ohm and when engine is hot 220 ohm and bike perfectly works. Check friends bike and got same readings so i guess manual is bull****ing us. Its very hard to find parts in my country so im glad that i didnt bought new pickup coil. I will not trust manual from now... Even ignition coils secondary resistance is 21-22k and they work perfectly.

[@MackieBass]

Thanks for sharing

[@BugsWisely]

The wire colors woulda jelped tremendously.

[@MackieBass]

They are explained on the wiring diagram

[@BugsWisely]

@@MackieBass Was an excellent vid. Subscribed and liked.

[@bigjoe4020]

So, can I assume that you have learned your lesson and will from now on use the manual first and save yourself 2 days ?....no need to answer that as I know the answer anyhow :)

[@MackieBass]

I'm glad you answered your own question Joe ;)

[@shaolin113]

RTFM......always! haha!

[@MackieBass]

RTFM amen

[@airbrushingbynick6071]

Helped me no end. Don’t buy a Virago. 🛵

[@MackieBass]

LoL, watch this space... :)

[@airbrushingbynick6071]

MackieBass . I’ve just been given a brand new mini trike tank (ebay £28) and a front fender. It’s going fire skulls on the sides and skulls on the front fender. Nice in ur face colours. Just finished painting a Lancaster on canvas fir someone too. Got a few bits n bobs. Also a merc engine cover which is getting Lewis Hamilton on it.

[@KarlTheDingbat]

What sort of man are you? You never ever admit to the crime of RTFM publicly, even if you do RTFM. For this crime you must stand in the corner and hang your head in shame, you have been awarded minus 20 million man points, shame on you sir shame ;)

[@MackieBass]

I'm a RTFM kind of man I guess...and yes, very very ashamed ;)