JeffersonDeere

@Goober Haha, ah....You have pretty much convinced me NOT to attempt it!  I like the baking idea that you recommended along with @AKATV.  I can't tell you all how much I appreciate your help.  Thanks all!

@Goober, Oy vey.  Sounds like I will just be baking it as you suggested!  Based on how hard they are to find, I figure it might be handy to have the old one on hand (baked) as a backup in case its needed.  Thanks for all the help!

Dang, I feel really lucky now!  I appreciate the insight and hookup!

Ha, @jeepwm69 hooked me up with a link to a parts supplier who had two available!  Hopefully, this one will last me for another 35 years.  Though, I may try the baking trick that @retro mentioned early on in this thread so as to have a viable backup.  Has anyone every disassembled to see about re-soldering some of the cold solder joints?  Just out of curiosity!

I have the new CDI installed, ol' girl is running like a champ.  Thank you all so much for the insight and experience that you have with troubleshooting these awesome machines!

Hey Gang, sorry, it has been a while!  Got busy and the Honda moved down the project list....  BUT....  I have some good news to report.  I stripped the plastics off and ran it around like that for better troubleshooting purposes.  I have not had an oil temp issue since removing the plastics (though, I have the stock air intake and box removed so there is more air movement that previous).  I removed the connectors from the CDI, all looked good and had stock dielectric grease still in the plug (I am assuming it was stock grease).  I ran it around for a while and then it started its coughing and not wanting to start issue.  I reached up, tapped the CDI, and boom, she fired right up.  This happened about 6 times, EVERY time I tapped the CDI, she immediately fired again.  I think its safe to say that is the issue.  I would like to just buy another one, what vendor do you all recommend?  Thanks for all the help!

Hey @Goober! Man, thank you so much for all the detailed info and steps to take.  I have dielectric grease, brushes, and contact cleaner on hand.  The battery is a brand new interstate, it does indeed pass a load test.  I dont feel as if the quad was really hot at any time this has happened however, I have never actually heard the fan come on so I will be checking this out as well per the details that you sent along.  I do indeed get the neutral light and a momentary oil temp light.  The oil temp light has been coming on intermittently IMMEDIATELY after starting which leads me to be suspect of a potential sensor or wiring issue as you mentioned.  I have her in my shop right now with the plastics still on.  I will be stripping that off and will shoot resistance this weekend and let you know what I find!  Thanks for the fleabay link, I will get that ordered right meow!  Thank you!!!!

Awesome, thanks a ton for the information.  I should have a chance to troubleshoot using the methods you wrote about.  I really appreciate the insight.  I will tackle and keep you posted on what I find! 

Hey Gang-

I have an awesome 1987 Rancher 350D. Great machine but am having the following issue:

The issue: It runs like a top, always starts up. However, at various times, it will randomly die and then not want to start, usually when I am right in the middle of chasing a cow or on the side of a highway in transit which is usually more of an inconvenience or embarrassment. I have noticed it is ALWAYS after it has been being run for at least 20 minutes. When I try to restart it, it will occasionally pop and cough but never gets close to running on its own. After a cool down (sometimes an hour, sometimes 12), it will fire back up like normal.

The ONLY other issue is that my oil temp light has started coming on when I first fire it up, usually when it is cold. Everything I have read seems to be leaning towards a CDI. Any insight from you all? I DO have a 1989 350D for parts as well but I understand the CDI for the 1987 model is unique to that model. Where do you recommend buying the CDI from? I WILL NOT buy a cheap aftermarket from Amazon and am willing to pay Shendig price! Thank you all in advance!