Crane cams hi-4 problems

[dozerman]

I put a crane cams hi-4 ignition in my '82 FLH 2 years ago and I think it is crapping out on me already. Today I took off on a ride and once the motor was hot it started popping out the pipes and loosing power. I coasted to a stop and did not have any spark. After only a minute or two it started and ran fine for another mile or so and then the same problem occurred again. After several restarts it finally would not start. After an hour or so it was fine for awhile until it got hot and then the same thing happened again. Any thought?

[Snuff™]

The following comes from the Crane Installation Instructions:

MISFIRE OR INTERMITTENT OPERATION Field experience has shown that popping back through the carburetor, misfiring, and intermittent failure (especially after the engine gets hot) are usually not caused by electrical problems within the HI-4.Carburetor problems, fouled spark plugs, coil failure, and loose wire harness connections are the most common culprits.Verify that spiral core or suppression type spark plug wires and resistor spark plugs are being used.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=crane%20installation%209000-4000b&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CCgQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cranecams.com%2Fuploads%2Finstructions%2F90004000b.pdf&ei=Yq8nUtz_DLal4APugoHQAg&usg=AFQjCNGNFghz_msGgKsQUWWlA3JJC1XGrw&sig2=Q6E3nT4bDxTIlipLNfdv3w&bvm=bv.51773540,d.dmg

[easyricer]

Yup, sure sounds a whole bunch like the sealed module took a dump on ya. I see that a lot on Sportsters and the symptoms are exactly that.
Easy check, remove the cover and go for the same ride, bet it stays running....
EASY

[Hillside Motorcycle]

No secret of those older HI-4's dropping a cylinder.
A Dyna 2000i cures that.
Scott

[Deye76]

Hi 4's are notorious for that. Dyna ignition is what I ended up with. 

I was typing same time as Hillside 

[76shuvlinoff]

I went from points to Dyna 2Ki over eleven years ago, the same unit is still in the cone. Granted this is Michigan and I don't ride year around but I have no regrets ............so far.

- Mark

[Hillside Motorcycle]

And, to be quite honest, if a set of points are maintained correctly, they will give good service as well.
Worst most will see is a condenser take a dump, flyweights to be kept lubed, and points may need adjusting from time to time.
Ran the same set of points in my 1967 FLH for over 20,000 at one time, and that bike still is points-equipped.
Kept that used set in my tool kit, just in case.
Scott

[dozerman]

When I tool the timing cover off today to get a look in the cone I did notice a spark jump from the metal base of the unit to the side of the cone. I am assuming that it is not supposed to do this and it must be shorted out and fried?

[Hillside Motorcycle]

Your right.
And a little tip.......do not adjust those while the igntion is on.
Scott