*Parts Compatibility - TBS 1998

[Biiim]

Couple things;
Only Thunderbird AFTER 1998(?) are 6 speed, all previous Thunderbird/Legend/Adv. are 5 speed with a blanking sleeve in place of the 6th gear, otherwise transmissions are quite identical, even, (as I recall), in both 3 and 4 cyl models up to 1998. TBS are 1998-on, so 6 speed. Remember, they were attempting to cheaply and simply, make as many variations of models as possible- "modularity".
1998 saw running changes, so check part numbers!
You can check part numbers on "Pandora" or "Hermy's" Triumph website. A hot weather roadside breakdown last season on my 1996 Thunderbird led to a search for igniter, (ECU), - (turned out to be pick-up coil), and igniters are $$$$$$$$!!!! (from memory about $400+) and they are DIFFERENT between years and Thunderbird vs TBS. ignition curve, timing, etc is likely different. Also, (from memory) they changed ignition suppliers around 1998. This, along with possibly cams, intake boots, exhaust differences, etc, accounts for the 15HP or so difference between Thunderbird/Legend/Adv. and TBS

Interesting cuz the ignition coils or whatever you call these damn things which I just cleaned where only getting ignition from one not all three. And my igniting switch on throttle stopped working? I’m charging new battery to see if that’s what going on cuz a few weeks ago the starter turned over but now ignition and roar. Now what you are saying is the ignition could between thunderbird and third are different? I’m using the legends TT engine w tbs ignition coils so THAt might be my problem here.

 

[Biiim]

Why two threads? My response is in the other one.

Not sure never spent this much time in a thread tbh

 

[sikatri]

Ignition coils could be bad. Are they original?

 

[Biiim]

Ignition coils could be bad. Are they original?

Their original. Starter still won’t work. Was drinking with my neighbor and we were trying to turn over the engine w a screwdriver on the solenoid and now I’m wondering if we burned out the cdi….

How would I check to see if my cdi is OK?
Or maybe the ignition button on thethrottle is just trashed. Not sure where to continue.

 

[atomsplitter]

1990 model Ignition coils going bad were so common it became a 'thing.' The igniter on the other hand was pretty robust. Not being familiar with the TBird's ignition switch I can tell you that early model Rockets (2004 to 10) had headlamp power routed through the ignition barrel, which caused desoldering of the contacts over time. Not saying that's what you have but the brain trust routing 55W headlamps thru tiny wires in the ignition switch might have been at play when your bike was coming off the factory assembly line.

 

[atomsplitter]

Their original. Starter still won’t work. Was drinking with my neighbor and we were trying to turn over the engine w a screwdriver on the solenoid and now I’m wondering if we burned out the cdi….

How would I check to see if my cdi is OK?
Or maybe the ignition button on thethrottle is just trashed. Not sure where to continue.

Just usually a bad idea shorting across contacts. If the starter isn't engaging (no click) with a fully charged battery, then the starter relay is probably bad. The starter button does two things when mashed. It closes the starter relay and opens the headlamp relay so full power goes to the starter. When you hit the starter button does the headlamp go out? If you have access to a schematic for your model bike, the engine being replaced doesn't change the electrics or wiring that much so should be able to narrow the search for where the problem is.

 

[Biiim]

Ignition coils could be bad. Are they original?

They are original

 

[Biiim]

Atom and sik thank you so much this really narrows down what I’ll be doing tomorrow !!

 

[JCooper]

No headlight relay on a Legend or TBS. No difference between the ignition components either.

The coils are notoriously unreliable, but the likelihood of three failing at the same time is infinitesimally small.

There is a "secret" fuse that handles the ignition and alternator. Look along the frame rails under the seat for an in-line blade fuse holder.

 

[sikatri]

They are original

I’d replace them with Nology Ignition Coils.

 

[JCooper]

I’d replace them with Nology Ignition Coils.

Or stick coils from a TT600 or the like.

 

[atomsplitter]

There is a link on the Triumph Rat forum with a '98 wiring diagram for the Tbird, Legend, Adventurer, etc.

 

[Greyfell]

There is a link on the Triumph Rat forum with a '98 wiring diagram for the Tbird, Legend, Adventurer, etc.

Can you share the link here, please?

 

[atomsplitter]

Can you share the link here, please?

I tried but earlier no soap. See if this works:

https://www.other forum/threads/1998-thunderbird-wiring-diagram.647482/
Copy/Paste it into your browser and the second post down has the link.

 

[sikatri]

Here’s a source for downloading the manual. Should have wiring diagram.

https://www.manualslib.com/manual/979064/Triumph-Thunderbird.html
Don’t know if there’s a fee, you can check it and see.

 

[Biiim]

Okay!! Found a blown fuse that I believe to be the ignition /starter etc. replaced that w a freshly only discover this ground coming off the negative is not attached to anything. Where do I ground this to the engine? I’m having trouble finding that

 

[sikatri]

Is that off the negative battery terminal connector?

 

[Biiim]

Is that off the negative battery terminal connector?

Correct

 

[Biiim]

Okay!! Found a blown fuse that I believe to be the ignition /starter etc. replaced that w a freshly only discover this ground coming off the negative is not attached to anything. Where do I ground this to the engine? I’m having trouble finding that

Nope I cannot find the in line fuse. The fuse in the box on the far left is the one I replaced. I’m assuming the numbering is 1-5 left to right.

 

[sikatri]

I’m just guessing the frame. Look for a possible connection point, a screw or a small hole missing a screw.