|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 26, 2012 3:45:31 GMT -5
So
I'm the happy owner of a 95 model that has had the 600cc engine dumped in it. Used to own a Bros ages ago and decided to give the shafty a go as a reliable spare over the colder months. I like it so much I'm making it my regular ride.
First post but expect more. If I get this problem sorted I have plans for this machine. ;D
Anyway - shortly after buying, the battery started to weaken. I popped a new one in and charged it. A month or so of happy motoring then it started to weaken again meaning I had to bump the bugger to get him going.
It has been cold lately but I've never had a battery go so quickly so think there may be a problem somewhere.
Once it's parked in work it stands in an underground carpark and starts okay ish but it's getting worse.
After a full nights charge Friday it was fine again but it weakened over the weekend and this morning I had to bump it again!!
So what should I be looking out for or testing. I take it there are some simple tests I can do to isolate the problem (if there is one).
I'm not mechanically the best but willing ot get stuck in. Armed with electrical testing thingy. What am I looking for? I love my little bike and will chuck whatever parts it needs at it (helps that parts are cheap as chips)
Help me you lovely people
|
|
|
|
Post by Jake on Mar 26, 2012 5:34:27 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by kev2109 on Mar 26, 2012 7:35:02 GMT -5
it does sound like the regulator if you have a volt meter or multi meter you can test the voltage going back into the battery with the engine running connect the volt meter to the battery it should read over 12 usually 13-15volts if its lower then i'd get a new regulator
and like jake i dont like electrical problem after owning an old gs850
|
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 26, 2012 7:57:37 GMT -5
Right o
I'll check the voltage tonight
What test should I be using?
So should I be checking it with the engine on and the lights on etc whilst holding revs at higher than tick over? Think I read that somewhere.
|
|
|
|
Post by kev2109 on Mar 26, 2012 9:59:10 GMT -5
if you have the info about what it should be at certain revs thats useful but not realy nesercery you dont need lights on just the engine running the voltage will be lower with the lights on if you have a multi meter set it to dc volts and it should read 13-15 volts and increase slightly when the engine is revved up alternatively a bike or even car garage may test it for nothing
|
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 27, 2012 2:58:00 GMT -5
Hmmm So .. .with the light off and a little rev the meter on the battery points read over 13.5 so all good. with lights it dipped to under 12.5. So there's the problem. I ride with my lights on at all times for extra visibility. Rode it with no lights yesterday day and it charged enought o get me started on the button first time today. So where's my problem? rectifier. Start checking th econnections for corosion or is this a sign that it's gone and needs replaceing? Or is it something else?  |
|
|
|
Post by Jake on Mar 27, 2012 4:04:00 GMT -5
Hmmm So .. .with the light off and a little rev the meter on the battery points read over 13.5 so all good. with lights it dipped to under 12.5. So there's the problem. I ride with my lights on at all times for extra visibility. Rode it with no lights yesterday day and it charged enought o get me started on the button first time today. So where's my problem? rectifier. Start checking th econnections for corosion or is this a sign that it's gone and needs replaceing? Or is it something else? Like I say, Everydaybiker seemed to be have the same problems as you, (see the link below): growell.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=electrical&action=display&thread=749If it was me I’d begin by making sure the battery was fully charged then I’d examine the reg/rec connections (and the block connector) as descibed below. The other possibility is that there is a problem with the starter relay. But you could begin by checking the connections as descibed by Everydaybiker: ‘Battery started to get a bit low a couple of days previous, getting a charge voltage within spec but didn't seem to be quite enough for 3 hours of lights-on riding, then the other morning it ran flat and we eventually chugged to halt.
On later investigation I found two corroded / broken wires at the reg / rec end of the yellow alternator wires. A previous owner somewhere down the line had put spade connectors in and not sealed them up sufficiently. Plus the connections were so close to the r/r that there was no possibiity of a repair. Fortunately I had a spare r/r with good wiring.
More importantly, these wires go into a block connector which sits on the swinging arm underneath the rear shock, where it picks up all the crud you can imagine. On disconnecting the block it was also full of corrosion and had melted quite badly, to the extent that it could have caused a fire. Not a nice prospect unless you particularly want a 'flaming crotch'!!
The connector and wiring was a write-off so I had to re-wire from the alternator to the r/r to fix the problem. I have now routed the new (longer) wiring above the back of the engine under the fuel tank which is a much cleaner, drier place for it to live.
With hindsight I'm surprised the alternator managed to get any current at all through to the r/r, so it's well worth a visual check on your bike before anything potentially goes wrong.’So, judging from what Everydaybiker says, it would be a good idea to check the 'block connector' to see if it's knackered, and if it is then get rid of it.... We all hate electrical problems...  |
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 27, 2012 4:13:19 GMT -5
I'll be cracking out my manual then
If after checking all the connections and cleaning them it's still under volts then I guess I replace the unit. Only 30 quid according to ebay.
Just out of interest has anyone put cafe racer bars on their bike? I don't like the high position my arms are in. A bit of bodyweight over the tank would make it a much more reassuring ride on motorways
|
|
|
|
Post by kirriepete on Mar 27, 2012 4:36:44 GMT -5
I'd say it's definitely the reg/rec as 13.5v ain't enough .... just checked out Wee Norman to make sure I'm not spouting bolleaux (not unknown!) and I'm getting 12.7v with engine off, 13.5v at tickover regardless of lights, rising to 14.5v with some revs.
Of course, if the connections are all corroded to feck you'll likely be losing electrical pixies at every junction, so a rub with some emery paper/wire wool may just do it.
|
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 27, 2012 7:09:37 GMT -5
It's holding enough charge to be usable for now so will most likely get time to fiddle after this weekend. Will report back on my findings for future generations to see
|
|
|
|
Post by hairyuk on Mar 28, 2012 6:30:15 GMT -5
if you are anywhere around leicester
or can get there
i have a compleate spare bike in the garden
we can swap parts till you sort it
that will save you having to buy parts till you fix it
thats an open offer to all by the way
mark 07811210872 send a text and i will ring you
i get a poor signal at home
|
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Mar 29, 2012 10:32:36 GMT -5
As tempting as it is to jump on the Bike and ride from Bristol to Leicester I'll have to pass.
Many thanks though for your offer
|
|
|
|
Post by kev2109 on Mar 29, 2012 12:30:19 GMT -5
im down that part of the country next week going w-s-m dropping of easter eggs i'll be having a pint in scallys if you know it give me a call we can have a pint? 07928435959
|
|
|
|
Post by skulkerboyo on Apr 2, 2012 9:05:40 GMT -5
Rarely down WSM way - now that's given me an idea though - an NTV owners only bike meet somewhere
This has got legs I reckon
|
|
|
|
Post by kev2109 on Apr 6, 2012 7:07:14 GMT -5
sounds great keep us informed or ask for some help if needed
|
|
