EddieG

I have a 450 Rebel (87) since 2003, it's been a great bike, never given me much trouble mechanically. A week ago as I was warming it up it shut off like I'd hit the kill switch. Since then I usually can't get it to start at all, but sometimes it will start and run for a few seconds, then it dies.
I've done all the usual checks, all I can say is the spark looks a little weak.
My Clymer manual says that a weak spark usually means CDI problems. It describes a fairly complicated checking routine using an electric multimeter. I bought one yesterday, but now I can't figure out how to disconnect the CDI unit. There are two plugs on the back, one has three wires and the other two. They obviously need to be removed somehow in order to check the voltages and resistances of the connections to the CDI unit. Toyota and Suzuki connectors have little tabs or buttons that you raise or push down to release. These seem to have nothing. I even tried prying them off cold but quit after moderate force produced no movement.
Has anyone had experience with disconnecting these plugs? And, more generally, does anyone have any advice on checking a suspect CDI unit?
Many thanks
Ed Gibney

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cagie

jack is someone who could anser your question post haste... give him a call. He is probably one of the most knowledgable people regrading anything Rebel.

407-321-5242 or: 800-240-0393. Tell him you read it on the HondaRebelForum...

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Comments contained in my posts are not intended to cause physical or psychological stress and are mearly my two cents worth, and in this economy, that's cheap!
87 CMX250C 'the Pygmy Pony'
87 CMX450C 'Black Lithium'

EddieG

Thanks Cagie.
I called Jack - I have done business with him several times in the past - and apparently there are some small buttons on the side of the connectors if you look closely. (He also sells the CDI units.)
I'm going to wait a little before I mess with the bike. Today it's wet, muddy and there are several thousand mosquitoes waiting to greet me me out there.
Thanks again

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