HarleyTechTalk

Can anyone confirm that the stock 3-wire 32400-83 ignition pickup, has a black ground wire, red +12V and a green signal wire?

Anyone know when the MoCo went to +5V ignition pickup reference voltage?

I don't think they have ever been 12v.

Quote from: Burnout on March 05, 2020, 01:47:08 PM
I don't think they have ever been 12v.

I also thought that the Only system that sent 12v to the cone were "All in the cone" systems... not the External "box" ones!!!

Perhaps this wiring diagram will do some good:

https://www.classiccycles.org/media//DIR_1653304/DIR_1679204/DIR_1776956/68450472b60c8aa1ffff8539ffffe41e.pdf

Quote from: Burnout on March 05, 2020, 01:47:08 PM
I don't think they have ever been 12v.

That means that you should have a readout of 5V between red and black/white pin of the "box"? (With ignition on, that is)

When bench testing an old style (pre deutsch plug) ignition module (7-pin box), I can't find 5V anywhere, just a 1V voltage drop compared to input voltage of 12V, over the red and black/white pickup contact.

Could that indicate that the module are shot?

It's been so long since I had to diagnose one, I don't recall.
The factory service manuals give a simple and clear diagnosis procedure.

I know, but none of those procedures are based on "hot" systems, and I have found that these procedures often will fall to identify a "running problem" and pass them as fully functional.

I can't find any reference for running voltage to ignition pickup/cam sensor anywhere in any of the FSM's between 1983 and 1999.

If you are having running problems disconnect the alternator and see if the problem goes away.
I have seen a bad alternator cause ignition problems in the past.

But if the potting compound has dripped out of the pickup, it's bad or will be soon.