Lee Hill
Have you ever heard the term CDI box, black box, or pulse pack? Then you must be excited to know what exactly it means. CDI or capacitor discharge indication is the secret on which you drive your scooter.
If you have a scooter that is newer than 1980, then you must be wondering what a CDI box does on a scooter? If yes, then here is the article which you would love to read.
#1. What Does CDI or Capacitor Discharge Ignition?
CDI or Capacitor Discharge Ignition have capacitors that can store energy for the future. They are pretty similar to batteries which store energy. They release energy for immediate ignition. Hence they play a significant role in working on the scooter. The CDI works on a trigger mechanism having coils, internal circuits, and capacitors.
Working Principle of CDI
In most of the scooters, the CDI systems work on a specialized Trigger mechanism. The trigger passes the command to the black box or pulse pack to fire, which later uses the combined energy of coils and capacitors. Another system is similar to CDI, which is called TCI, which does not incorporate capacitors. Although there is a lot of difference between CDI and TCI, both tend to work on a single mechanism.
Brief History on CDI
CDI composes complicated circuits, which is the main reason behind its success for years. Earlier versions of CDI used updated mechanisms to ensure that they control the firepower with ease.
Different lobes, springs, and weights are adjusted at the right time to deliver the spark, which is necessary for ignition. Motorcyclists were also enjoying the scooters as they had to spend only a minimum amount on maintenance.
You must be wondering what made CDI box for a scooter so exciting or the reason behind its rapid popularity. Well, CDI uses less equipment and offers increased efficiency when compared to other tools. Motorcyclists have to also spend low on maintenance which is the main reason behind the success of CDI. It doesn’t mean that your 50 CC scooter CDI box will never let you down. There are various troubleshooting errors that you might have to tackle with your CDI box.
#2. How to Detect Flaws in CDI Box for Scooter?
If the CPU or central processing unit controls the operation of the computer, then the CDI box controls the operation of your scooter. There are various reasons which can harm or cause troubles to your CDI box. One such reason is age, and you must be surprised when I am relating a physical factor with a machine. Yes, a CDI box indeed becomes inefficient or less efficient with age. Some wiring errors can also lead to a wrong CDI box. An incorrect charging system can also make your CDI box worthless. It is vital to find the culprit to save the powerhouse of your scooter.
Indications of a Healthy CDI
As mentioned above, CDI boxes have a strong connection with ignition; hence you can use them to find their working condition. If your ignition is doing fine, then you don’t need to worry about the CDI box. Whereas, if you suspect any changes in the ignition, then the problem must be hiding beneath the pulse pack.
#3. Are There Any Symptoms to Detect a Bad CDI?
Well, one of the foremost symptoms of a bad CDI is inferior injection. You can also relate the symptom with an error in fuel injection, which can also affect the ignition. To be honest, there is no way that you can detect or ensure that your CDI is not working correctly. If the overall condition of the scooter is excellent, then your CDI is well, and if not, then the chances of alarming CDI increase.
There is no doubt that the symptoms mentioned above might storm your brain; hence you have to be careful while detecting problems in the CDI box. Sometimes the problem may lie in the fuel pump, and you might blame the CDI box.
#4. How Can One Take Care Of Their CDI Box?
One of the best ways to learn how to take care of your CDI box for a 49 cc scooter is by understanding its working principle. It takes a lot of time for the CDI box to charge, and it quickly releases the voltage during discharge. Also, you can find limited spark time in the CDI box. It is recommended not to overuse your scooter as it is not made for that job. Overuse can also lead to permanent damage to the CDI box.
Taking Professional Help When Needed
If you have made it till here and are worried about your CDI box, you can take things positively as there are options where you can replace your CDI box. To do so, you will have to reach out to your expert mechanic, who will tell you what type of current between AC and DC is your CDI box using.
#5. What Type of CDI Box Is Best For Scooters?
There is no such factor that can determine whether a specific type of CDI box will suit your needs. Yet, it is recommended to use a DC-CDI box in cold conditions as you might need additional power during winter. At the same time, AC-CDI boxes cannot provide optimum control in cold climates as they are made for more straightforward use.
Conclusion
One of the main advantages of going with a CDI system is, the capacitors don’t take too long to charge. The increased speed ensures that shunt resistance stays away from the entire CDI system.
If your CDI is not working correctly, you can replace it with a new one that offers the right power. You have to do your research before you step into the electric world to create diversified complications.
We also hope that you understood the process of CDI or Capacitor Discharge Ignition. Also, share your thoughts on what kind of CDI you would prefer and why in the comments.
