88 Magna Dead on the side of the road.

[bgayler]

This is complicated, but here goes. Coming home from work I'm riding along at about 60mph when the flame went out. The bike lugged down so fast I thought I had a flat tire. Get to the side of the road and there is nothing from the starter button, except the headlight goes out. the lights/turn signals/horn all work, but no brake lights. I check the kill switch still nothing. I attack the fuse box and find a blown 15A fuse in the ignition slot. I replace it and as soon as I hit the starter button it blows again. I have a spare 30A and I cautiously try it. Nothing, but it doesn't blow. while I have the starter button pushed, I rock the kill switch to OFF and it turns over but will not crank. I can hold the starter button in while in the Kill position and switch to Run and it keeps turning over but wont start. Or even fire. Let off the button and nothing again as long as the kill switch is in the Run position. My wife , a tow strap, and 5 miles later ( and lots of nightmares to come) I get home, pull the seat and tank, see nothing that looks wrong. Just for grins, I turn on the key, hit the start button and it fires up and runs like nothing was ever wrong. I promise I'm not having a bad dream, I really need your help.

[Greg Cothern]

Bill not sure why it would not even turn over then would not fire, but I would get the ignition module box tested at a dealership.  
My guess is that it is going bad.  
As for not even turning over not sure.

[bgayler]

Thanks Greg,
I knew I could count on you for suggestions.
My service manual list a "spark unit" located just in front of the battery. Is that what you're thinking may be the problem? I have found the 88 is a strange year model. it doesn't have a kickstand switch nor a sight glass for oil level. just a dipstick. Is it possible I have combined problems? Like a faulty Kill Switch too? Why would the starter only turn over with the switch in the Off position? Also why the blown fuses? Sorry to bombard you with questions, but I'm really stumped. Cycle Shack North in Conroe(the closest Honda Dealer) will not work on bikes older than 10 years. Is that not a crime?
Thanks again.

[MagnaMan]

Bill,

You can give Honda of Houston a call (www.hondaofhouston.com). They are just right down 290. They don't like bikes over 10 years old either but I know they will work on them anyway. They just charge an extra 10%. They say it's to cover themselves for the fact that when they tear into older bikes they usually have to deal with rusty bolts, stripped parts, etc. (Either way, I know they worked on someone's Gold Wing from the 80s because they were griping about it.)

I would recommend you call and talk to Austin. He probably won't be knowledgeable about a Magna but he will treat you fairly and not dismiss you when he hears how old your bike is. If he remembers, you can tell him that Jesse with the 99 orange and black Magna sent you. I always make a point to say hi to him when I see him.

[bgayler]

Thanks Jesse,
I've purchased a few parts from Honda of Houston and found their Parts Dept. to be very helpful. It just irks me to do business with any type of business that can be so selective as to what they will or will not work on. Most don't seem to hesitate to charge more. I certainly need some professional help. Thanks again.

[Greg Cothern]

Bill I would also check all the things you mentioned as well, I have seen many many times on the Magna the on/off switch cause problems such as this.  
Not sure on the blown fuse other than to check connections and wiring.
Hope some of this helps.

[bgayler]

Thanks again guys,
I'm going to order a kill switch and try it first. Greg have you replaced one? Are they idiot proof? Also Jesse, I called Austin of H of H as you suggested. He said to bring the bike and they would work on it at a rate of $66 per hour(no 10% add on) with no gaurantee and since it's older than 10 years it would be low priority. Meaning they would work on it when they had nothing else to do. I think it will be a cold day in H*%# before I'd buy a new Honda from a Houston Dealer. I do appreciate all of the help.

[Greg Cothern]

Bill you may not need to replace the unit just clean it thoroughly with a electrical contact type cleaner.  There are several on here that are much more electrical component savvy than I, hopefully they will offer up suggestions.

[bgayler]

Duh!!!!!!!!!!!! I never even thought about cleaning the contacts. Radio Shack used to carry a spray can of cleaner made for the old radial tuner TV controls. I try them tomorrow. Sometimes you get so consumed with the problem you tend to overlook some of the more obvious solutions. If the Magna is going to to be down, now is a good time since we have rain  for the rest of the week.
Thanks!!!!!

[Aurox]

I have had my 84 worked on several times at Stubbs Honda on the SW Freeway about Beechnut.  I have never had them question the age of my bike or talk about charging more.

Was in last week to buy a speedometer cable and guy on parts counter mentioned, 'You rode up on the Magna'.  He saw me coming.  

Have always had helpful folks in parts and shop areas.  Older guy with a beard behind he parts counter even gave me some helpful hints on replacing the cable, referring back to when he had one years back.

Good luck,

[bgayler]

Thanks for the information Ray.
I have to admit I've never been to Stubb's. I do like the part about an older guy(since I'm one too)HeHe!
Seriously, most bike mechanics at the dealers are about the same age as my bike, how many could they have worked on? The older bike mechanics seem to be mostly experienced Harley guys.
Thanks again.
Hey! Where else can you get this much help????