Wired George coil mod.

[Galactica]

Is the Wired George mod worthwhile?  Claims instant results.

I have done it in the past on my Kawasakis.  I’m not sure I really noticed any benefits.  It doesn’t harm anything but does add a bit of complexity that maybe isn’t necessary. 

I only ask because I got bored and decided to check voltage drop at the coils on my CB750.  12.5V at the battery, 11.2V at the switched coil lead.  Would voltage rise a bit with revs?

I have a relay and fuse holder on hand.  Should I bother?

[hardrockminer]

I'm pretty sure you will get a higher voltage at the coils if you do the mod but I wonder what your plugs look like without it?

[Galactica]

Plugs look excellent and runs great as is.  Think I’ll do the mod though, just for something to do. 

[Bucko]

Waste of time IMHO.  You're going to get some voltage drop at the coil - that's just the nature of 12 volt systems, but if the voltage drop is due to something other than the wiring resistance in the path from the battery to the coil, then there's something wrong, and the proper solution, IMHO, is to fix the problem rather than bypass it.  On my Hondas (probably the same for yours), the path from the battery to the coil goes through the ignition switch and the kill switch.  If there's an excessive voltage drop, then one or the other, or both, of those switches need to be cleaned to restore proper voltage.    

If you need something to do Ross, you can always clean the carbs on my Ascot 

[Galactica]

Ugh.  Carbs…I’m not that bored.

[Bucko]

 

[Galactica]

I have cleaned the switches as well as I’m able, or at least as much as I’m willing to do.  The voltage drop is about the same as I experienced with all of my Zeds as well. 

As I said, I’ve not noticed any appreciable difference using the coil mod.  When I first started restoring those Zeds I had, I was often chasing runability issues which invariably were carb problems.  Searching the web, a couple of the most touted fixes were SeaFoam and the Wired George coil mod.  Neither of which helped much, but really can’t hurt either. 

While the coil mod certainly delivers more volts, it also adds a bit of complexity.  A few more connections, a fuse, and a relay.  All of which can be a failure point.  But the level of additional complexity isn’t really all that great, and it’s very easily reversed.

Waste of time?  Maybe.  But it’s something that I can do without bothering my broken wing too much.

[Galactica]

Coil mod complete.  12.5v at the coils.

[hardrockminer]

Are those voltages with the bike running and the headlight on?

[Twisted_Twin]

Ignition upgrades have been proven, over and over to be the least bang-for-your buck upgrade available.

The system will only use as much voltage as it needs to jump the gap. Having an extra 10,000 volts on tap does absolutely nothing unless the system needs it. Having an OEM system in good working order is probably the best thing you could do.

That being said, from what I understand, the mod is nearly free and increases the voltage available to the coils. No harm in doing it if you feel it's necessary.

[Galactica]

Ya, I gotta say, I’ve never had a noticeable difference from the coil mod.  I was bored.  Had everything on hand.  Even had OEM style connectors rather than the Canadian Tire crimp on ones.  I even soldered them this time.