Old school ignition

[Goose51683]

Okay so I'm going through a bit of a time with the electrical side of my ignition and it got me to thinking, how did they used to control ignition prior to electronics.

Could I slap a magnet on my generator or some other mechanism that would close a switch that went from my battery straight to my igniton coil or even straight to my spark plug?

[Water Warrior 2]

Points and condenser with a method of opening and closing the points with adjustments that had to be spot on. A coil/power pack and assorted wiring. There was a little rubbing block on the points that wore down and messed with the timing. I was never good with tune ups and welcomed the more modern stuff with open arms.

[Goose51683]

I understand the improved reliability but I really appreciate systems where I can still repair everything as compared to buying a new or used part that is incredibly overpriced simply because no one can fix the old ones.

[Water Warrior 2]

We have become a world of consumers. We use stuff and just replace it when it breaks.

[Goose51683]

I can't argue with you there

[ElecEngr]

i am working on a replacement CDI for the 250. the stock units are CRAZY expensive!

[raul10141964]

Chines scooter CDI may work
GZ diagrame

http://s11.postimg.org/qusgc62y7/manualserviciogz250.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/qusgc62y7/)


Chines scooter DC CDI

http://s22.postimg.org/m50b3trp9/wire_diagram_4_wire_system_DC_cdi.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/m50b3trp9/)

[JohnC]

You might get it to work, but one function of the CDI is to provide the spark advance. The likelihood that the advance curves would be the same is pretty low. Not that it wouldn't work, but it might mean a performance hit or you might find you suddenly need high test gas. Best if someone could run a comparison first.