1. After 20+ years it's time to pass the torch. If you are interested in acquiring this forum please contact support@cv-performance.com for details. Any spam will be reported and blocked.
  2. Welcome to Bike Talk, a forum for all bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts. If you are new to Bike Talk, be sure to register for free and join the conversation.

    There's always someone around willing to help out with questions or give a friendly wave back. All Harley and metric riders are welcome.
Bike Talk Motorcycle Forum is For Sale Welcome to Bike Talk

Charging system problem... Argggg!

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by SportyLarr, Jun 28, 2012.

  1. SportyLarr

    SportyLarr New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Hi, everyone, I am new to the forum and in need of help, as I am at my wits end! I have an 87 sportster that is having an issue with my battery going dead while on a ride and leaving me stranded! Battery terminals are clean and tight, voltage regulator is grounded to the frame, stator output is 50+ volts when rpms are increased. I have replaced the battery, voltage regulator, and stator and still having the same problem. I am still not getting 13 - 14 volts to the battery when running. Very frustrating!!! Any input welcome! Thanks!
    SportyLarr, Jun 28, 2012
    #1
  3. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2006
    Messages:
    9,926
    Likes Received:
    50
    Location:
    Alvin TX
    Have you double checked all grounds ? Scrap the paint & rust away
    cowboy, Jun 28, 2012
    #2
  4. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2004
    Messages:
    18,516
    Likes Received:
    252
    Location:
    Oregon
    Could even be bad battery cables, corroded internally.
    FLHTbiker, Jun 28, 2012
    #3
  5. eieio4tn

    eieio4tn Active Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2011
    Messages:
    362
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    tennessee
    voltage from stator and no charging voltage from regulator, what does your charging wire read when disconnected from battery ?? regulator grounded to frame how ?
    eieio4tn, Jun 29, 2012
    #4
  6. SportyLarr

    SportyLarr New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for all of the input! I really started to think... wtf is between the new stator and the new battery? Aha! The new voltage regulator. After wire brushing around the mounting holes to remove the rust and corosion and adding a new lock washer with teeth on it, I have voltage to the battery. Supplying 12.5 volts while idling, 14.5 volts while reved up. WooHoo! Problem solved! Thanks again for the support!!! Riding once again!
    SportyLarr, Jun 29, 2012
    #5
  7. FLHTbiker

    FLHTbiker Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2004
    Messages:
    18,516
    Likes Received:
    252
    Location:
    Oregon
    Glad to hear :)
    FLHTbiker, Jun 29, 2012
    #6
  8. eieio4tn

    eieio4tn Active Member

    Joined:
    May 5, 2011
    Messages:
    362
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    tennessee
    there you go...fixin' stuff.
    eieio4tn, Jun 30, 2012
    #7
  9. SportyLarr

    SportyLarr New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2012
    Messages:
    3
    Likes Received:
    0
    Thanks for all of the input! Went out with the wife for a short ride today and didn't get stranded! Nice change!! :)
    SportyLarr, Jun 30, 2012
    #8
  10. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 19, 2010
    Messages:
    5,687
    Likes Received:
    167
    Location:
    Hobgood, N.C.
    Happy you found it. Most problems on the older bikes are electrical ones. Bad grounds are often the culprit. Ride safe!
    joshbob, Jul 1, 2012
    #9

Share This Page

XenPorta © Jason Axelrod from 8WAYRUN.COM