Ignition Coil; Performance Test - Polaris 1999 Sportsman 400 Service Manual

314
2. Remove the scat and front fender as described in
Chapter Fifteen.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable as de-
scribed in this chapter.
4. Remove the COl unit mounting strap screw
(A.
Figure 12). Remove the COl unit (B. Figure 12)
from the frame.
5. Disconnect the multi-pin and individual electri-
cal con nectors (C, Figure 12) from the COl unit and
remove the unit.
6. Install by reversing these steps while noting the
following:
a. Apply dielectric grease to the electr ical con-
nectors prior to reconnecting them.
b. Make sure all electrical connectors are free of
corrosion and are completely coupled to each
other.
IGNITION COIL
The ignition coil is a form of transformer that de-
velops the high voltage required to jump the spark
plug gap. The only maintenance required con sists
of making sure the electrical connections arc clean
and tight and that the coil is mounted securely.
Resistance tests for the coil's windings are de-
scribed in Chapter Two. If the condition of thc sys-
tem is doubtful. the fo llowing quick check may help
identify if the ignition coil is deli vering a spark.
Performance Test
I. Remove the left side cover as described in Chap-
ter Fifteen.
2. Disconnect the spark plug wire and remove the
spark plug (Figure 13) as described in Chapter
Three.
NOTE
Make
sure to use a A7lOWII-good
spark
plug
for this
les t.
If
the
lest
is con-
ducted with a damaged spark plug ,
the test results will be incorrect.
3. Insert the spark plug into its cap and touch the
spark plug base against the cy linder head or chassis
to ground it (Figure 14). Position the spark plug so
the electrode is
visible.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
W4RNING
I f the engine is flooded , do not per-
fo rm this test. Fuel ejec ted through
the sp ark plug hole may be ignited.
4. Turn the ignition ON and crank the engine with
the e lectric or recoil starter while observing the
spark plug electrodes. A crisp blue spark should be
evident acro ss the spark plug electrode. If there is
strong sunlight on the plug, shade the plug in order
to see the spark better;
WA RNING
If necessar y. hold onto the spa rk plug
wire wit" a pa ir of insulated p liers.
Do
1101
hold the spark plug. wire or
connector, or a serious elec trica l
shock may result.
5. If a
crisp blue spark occurs, the ignition co il is
good.
6. Ift here is no spark at the test plug, check the aux-
iliary shut off switch and safety switches. Addi-
tional tests of the ignit ion exciter. pulser and
high-tension co ils are described in Chapter
Two.