Both plugs firing the same time

[Kasperwing1]

There must be a component in the magneto, coil, or somewhere else that puts the spark on the second plug 180 degrees later. Anyone know what this is called and where it's located?

[mswyka]

The timing on the Invader and Intruder twin cylinder engines is set up to have both pistons firing at the same time - so firing twice for every crank revolution.  I believe that this is a function of the multiple magnets on the inside of the flywheel.

[Kasperwing1]

There are two sets of points opposite each other on the armature plate and two condensers. I would think that each set of points/ condenser would be wired to one ignition coil/ one spark plug to fire once per revolution, instead of combining both sets of points to each ignition coil/ spark plug. Each cylinder will fire if I remove the plug cap from the other cylinder. The manual doesn't say. It's the only reason I can figure why both cylinders won't run the same time is the spark is at the same time, once per revolution. The sparks look a little different. One spark is brighter and lasts longer than the other spark plug. I am trying to investigate if a bad condenser would account for this and delay the spark so they would fire about the same time. The above was wrong. Upon removing the flywheel, it has CDI not points.

[mswyka]

There are two sets of points opposite each other on the armature plate and two condensers. I would think that each set of points/ condenser would be wired to one ignition coil/ one spark plug to fire once per revolution, instead of combining both sets of points to each ignition coil/ spark plug. Each cylinder will fire if I remove the plug cap from the other cylinder. The manual doesn't say. It's the only reason I can figure why both cylinders won't run the same time is the spark is at the same time, once per revolution. The sparks look a little different. One spark is brighter and lasts longer than the other spark plug. I am trying to investigate if a bad condenser would account for this and delay the spark so they would fire about the same time.

My bad.  I was assuming that you had electronic ignition. 

[Lloyd (ljm)]

 What engine are you working on?    Am I correct in assuming that it is a Kawasaki engine in an Ultra light?

 Most CDI ignitions fire the sparkplugs together.

 I know at least some points ignitions will fire the plugs together.

Does the engine run?

 I remember being in my early teens and my Dad telling me that the plugs on the snowmobile fire together.  Once close to top dead center and once close to bottom dead center.   One spark is used and one wasted.

 If there is 2 sets of points the plugs would not need to fire at the same time. That doesn't mean they don't

[Kasperwing1]

It does have CDI I discovered after removing the flywheel. The guru at my Kawasaki shop in town says only 4 cycle CDI's have extra spark. Extra-spark would be 4 sparks per revolution on a two-cylinder I videotaped my plugs firing outside the engine. I then slowed the video to 1/4 speed to count the sparks. I confirmed with math that each plug is firing once per revolution. I am going to try to download the correct Trax from Online manuals library. Kawasaki stuff not on Manuals Library anymore. The Kawasaki.com manuals is down. Is there a SS340-A2 Invader schematic available here, at least the engine schematic?
I do have 4 wires that go to a voltage regulator after splices outside the case from the CDI. I'm going to draw the existing wiring today and show it to my friend who teaches electronics at the university in town. I drew what I see on the engine. Since the coils are stacked, they are the same location rotationally. This looks like they would fire the same time. Our guru in town at the Suzuki/ Kawasaki dealer says only 4 cycle CDI fire the same time twice per revolution. I took video and slowed it down to count sparks. They each spark once per revolution at the same time. They need to fire 180 apart.

[mswyka]

Are there numbers on the engine that you can share to help us understand which engine you have?  There should be casting numbers on the heads something like 440 A2 or 340 A2 and then on the shroud around the mag there should be another engine plate with the model number.

[Lloyd (ljm)]

 If it is a CDI.  The plugs will fire together. Twice per engine revolution. I am sure to produce separate spark you would need 2 coils.

 Honestly I am wondering if you are spending lots of time and energy chasing a non issue.

[Kasperwing1]

I will go to the hangar tomorrow and check engine numbers. I will also check the flywheel to see if it has one or two magnets. I'm thinking flywheels for points should have one magnet, but you need two magnets, 180 apart, for this type of capacitor magneto. I think two magnets will cause both plugs to fire twice per revolution. Each type of magneto needs a specific type of flywheel.

[Kasperwing1]

The DATA PLATE says: TB340A-C202. Also, on the flywheel shroud TB340A-011371. On the flywheel: FP 5460. On the Armature Plate: KOKOSAN DENKI CO. Flywheel has 4 magnets with half inch between each.

[Interceptor398]

The TB340A-C202 might be a Kawasaki motor in a John Deere sled.  If it had been in a Kawasaki sled it would be TB340-C201.

[Kasperwing1]

Thanx Interceptor 398.

[Interceptor398]

This is a motor from a 1980 340 F/A Drifter.  Only difference from the John deer Spitfire is the 2 at end of the code.  "I have heard!!!"