Charging Problem
Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 11:47 pm
I've been riding several times this year after rebuilding the Super E and putting in a new battery. (92 FXLR)
Due to work, the bike sat a few days. I came home a few days ago, and when I started it, it seemed a little sluggish to turn over, but fired up and sounded right. I had a meal at a diner a couple miles away, and the bike wouldn't start. Had to get a jump start to get home, and the bike died after I parked it.
I charged it up today, tightened battery terminal bolts, added gas, and had a 10 mile ride. Got home and started checking the system.
Using a cheap multi-meter, got 14.27 VDC approx at battery terminals while running.
With regulator disconnected, motor and ignition off, I get these results...
Grounded stator check:
Stator plug to ground, no continuity either terminal. Indicates stator is NOT grounded (thats a good thing)
Stator resistance check:
Stator terminal to terminal, I read 0.4 to 0.5 ohms (not good, should be 0.1 to 0.12)
Stator AC output check (yes, AC, not DC):
Stator terminal to terminal with engine running, alternator should produce 16-20 VAC per 1000 rpm. I don't have a tach, but the meter responds nicely when revving the motor, from about 16 up to 66.
Testing done per HD Service Manual for 1991 FXR/FLT models.
Preliminary conclusion: Either my stator is shorted, providing too much resistance, or my cheap meter and I are doing something wrong.
I have more tests to do before I decide what to do. I'll try a different meter, and also check the regulator, before i tear into the primary system.
Due to work, the bike sat a few days. I came home a few days ago, and when I started it, it seemed a little sluggish to turn over, but fired up and sounded right. I had a meal at a diner a couple miles away, and the bike wouldn't start. Had to get a jump start to get home, and the bike died after I parked it.
I charged it up today, tightened battery terminal bolts, added gas, and had a 10 mile ride. Got home and started checking the system.
Using a cheap multi-meter, got 14.27 VDC approx at battery terminals while running.
With regulator disconnected, motor and ignition off, I get these results...
Grounded stator check:
Stator plug to ground, no continuity either terminal. Indicates stator is NOT grounded (thats a good thing)
Stator resistance check:
Stator terminal to terminal, I read 0.4 to 0.5 ohms (not good, should be 0.1 to 0.12)
Stator AC output check (yes, AC, not DC):
Stator terminal to terminal with engine running, alternator should produce 16-20 VAC per 1000 rpm. I don't have a tach, but the meter responds nicely when revving the motor, from about 16 up to 66.
Testing done per HD Service Manual for 1991 FXR/FLT models.
Preliminary conclusion: Either my stator is shorted, providing too much resistance, or my cheap meter and I are doing something wrong.
I have more tests to do before I decide what to do. I'll try a different meter, and also check the regulator, before i tear into the primary system.