HELP!! Removing Crane HI-4

[Bzrk91]

hey guys,
im removing my crane hi-4 and replacing it with points+condensors. how would i go removing the HI-4 and then putting in the p+c's?

thanks

[akronfxwg]

It's very easy.  Remove points cover, remove the standoff screws, remove crane module.  Install advance unit (stock or aftermarket) install points plate (with points and condesor attached) run wire to coil, re-install standoff screws, set timing according to service manual.  Set points gap at .020, re-install points cover and enjoy it.  You will have to replace your coil  (I use a blue streak coil from Drag) and your plug wires back to stock resistance ones.  Good luck

[173rd ABN BDE]

Do you have the stuff for the points and condensor set-up? What are you going to do with the Hi-4?

[Bzrk91]

well i still need to get the points and condensors.. i have no clue what im gonna do with the Hi-4. sell it? ebay? you have something in mind?

[Cousin It]

 If akron doesnt have something in mind, I do! Have MANY points and condenser setups. But akron asked first.
Let me know.
Thanks
Gene

[Bzrk91]

So the coil that i had went with the CraneHI4? does that mean with the points and condensors i will be putting in i will have to get a new or different coil in?

[stroker800]

  Why would you remove a good ignition system from your bike??? Its like going backwards   The benefits of elect ignition are far better than any points set up....Its kinda a waste if the motor has been modified for extra power...
dave

[96flhpi]

So the coil that i had went with the CraneHI4? does that mean with the points and condensors i will be putting in i will have to get a new or different coil in?

Yep, points and elect ignition coils have different resistence ratings.  One is more ohms than the other - don't remember which is which right now.  Did the conversion last year when my Hi-4 went south - easy as pie.  Dave's  right about performance advantage of elec ign, but since I'm not into that I'll take the fix on the side road advantages of the points.

[black]

why?

[Bzrk91]

yea, i agree with you 96. Im taking it off and putting points on because the elec ignition was makin problems

[96flhpi]

Yeah man - only did the conversion cause it was a cheap way of making sure the Hi-4 was causing my problem (it was).  Figured I'd keep points in my tool bag for emergency when I converted back, but now I don't have any plans on converting back.  Don't notice any loss of performance.  I'm sure there is a small difference and it would be more noticeable in a worked engine but I'm riding a pretty much bone stock mill.  Do get increased vibes due to the loss of single fire but nothing untolerable, and it is something to add to the maintenance list but I wouldn't have a shovel if I wasn't willing to do maintenance.  Plus, you could fit a set of spares in your dang pocket, let alone tool pouch!

[pappyfreebird]

2-3 ohms fer lectric ignitions (but will run jus fine wid 4-5 0hm points coils too..(crane will) but points wont last long wid a low ohm coil ,,,they need 5 ohms

[Bzrk91]

i ordered blue steak points and condensors, and i am going to order the blue streak coil

[BikerJim44]

Actually the gap should be .017 on the points. Plugs should be .032-.035. I have not heard of a Hi-4 giving problems and I think if it were me I would call Crane and speak to someone there as they do have a one year warranty.
I have installed quite a few of the single and dual fire Crane Hi-4's and have never had a problem with one of them. Not to say that it can't happen but I would be very surprised if that was the issue. I think I would check some other things like pushrod adjustment, condition of cam and lifters, intake seals, timing and all not necessarily in that order before I'd go backwards. Just my .02. Spidey.

[Cousin It]

  Out of the 15-20 hi4 systems that I have installed, 3 have gone bad. One just last week. Back to points for nowon that one. Unfortunately, Crane is now out of business! Really sucks to have to research another ignition system.I guess Im leaning toward the Compufire . I have installed 3 of those in the last 8 months per customer request. Hope they hold up.
Just another opinion!
Gene

[Bzrk91]

thanks guyss! i now have the points and condensors (blue streak by the way). so now im going to be installing them. how do i got about doing that? wiring, and installing and such?

[NormL]

cool!  to wire. one wire goes from the points/condenser to the coil.  The other side of the coil has the wire coming from the ignition switch circuit.

[96flhpi]

thanks guyss! i now have the points and condensors (blue streak by the way). so now im going to be installing them. how do i got about doing that? wiring, and installing and such?

Did you get the plate they mount to and an advance unit as well? 

You should really get a manual to see how it all goes together - advance unit mounted to end of cam, points & condenser mounted to plate, wire from condenser and wire that goes to coil get attached to points.  Install, static time to TDC then time with light to advance or buy the little tool that lets you static time to advance. 

Good info on all things shovel here http://shovelhead.us/forum/index.php, do a search or go through electrical section for a great article on static timing - you'll know when you find it - has detailed procedure. 

If you don't already have one please get a manual that covers points adjustments.

Have fun.

[kickstart]

thanks guyss! i now have the points and condensors (blue streak by the way). so now im going to be installing them. how do i got about doing that? wiring, and installing and such?

make sure you carry an extra condensor with you.
When your bike shuts down and there is nothing wrong anywhere ...
put the new condensor in

[Bzrk91]

hey guys,

ive run into a snag. i removed the crane HI4, and went in to install the points and condensor. but the plate came off with the HI4, the plate is solid, with no hole for the points to go through. so what do i do? do i have to get a whole new plate? also what about the timing cam? how do i get that, what do i do with it, and how do i put everything together? thanks guys, im confused and decided to write you all a narrative.

thankyou very much

[96flhpi]

Some brilliant f-er told you in post #17 ya were gonna need the plate to mount the points to and an advance assembly!!  Don't skimp on the advance unit, cheap is really cheap (read problematic) - Rivera makes good one and from what I hear so does Vulcan.  Timing cam comes with advance unit.

[Bzrk91]

hey 96 flh would the drag specialties advance unit be good (found it in the fatbook )? what i would do is take out the points and condensors that comes with it and put in the blue streak ones i previously got. does the drag spec. advance unit come with everything i would need?

[96flhpi]

Sorry - don't have a DS catalog and I'm not a points expert - just repeating what was told to me.  I'll tell you I originally bought a conversion kit that came with an cheaper advance that I later replaced with a Rivera and you could see the difference in quality.

I'm sure if you run a cheapie advance it's not like it's gonna crap out in a matter of months, probably just give you problems sooner than a good one would.  Again, I'm no expert, maybe someone with more experience could chime in.

Also - I'm sure I've seen the points plates available by themselves, although I guess you'd have a set of spares if you do what you're planning.

[Bzrk91]

hey guys. i got myself a whole advance unit assembly from DS. previously i bought a better set of points and condensors, could i just swap my good ones with the P+Cs that came with the advance unit? the points i would be putting in are blue streak. so does that mean id have to buy a new blue streak coil?

thanks,
bzrk

[verson22]

Points and condenser are maintenance items, I'd run the ones it comes with and 1st tune up put your blue streaks in.Brand of coil is not as important as resistance. A manual is a good investment, also make friends with another shovel rider that does his own wrenching -- having a bro to walk you thru it makes a big difference. You can do it on your own-- ain't rocket science-- just keep asking questions.