Another 1125 Problem

[doolay1988]

So, I finally installed my new rewrapped stator and modified rotor... but after 5 days of enjoyable riding, she stopped cranking over (figures). It all started that morning when I noticed she didn't quite crank over as fast as usual. I thought to myself "Gee, that sounded a little slower than norm, must be the cold weather or something." I cranked it over during noon, still a little slow but she popped right to life. However, late that night I needed to ride to an appointment... she cranked over two or three turns before finally coming to a halt and started just clicking. Really hope it's just a bad battery. I tested the battery with the bike off and she's around 12.3V, but with the bike ignition key on she drops down to 11.9 (ish). I guess it's possible the battery is no good.

Anyone out there have any input?

Tomorrow or the day after I plan on visiting the bike shop to officially test my battery.

 

[arikam]

If you go to auto zone they will test it for you. I've seen batteries do some odd things. You might make sure the cables are tight on it. Or you could jump it and once it's running put the volt meter back on it and see what it says. Should be around 13.5 volts if the alt is working correctly.

 

[wrnglrx]

also try jumping the bike with a car battery. DON'T turn the car on just use the battery to give you a boost. put your volt meter on it and see if you are getting a charge then rev the engine up to 3500 rpms and see if the voltage holds steady at 13.8 or something of that number. if not that stator rewire maybe malfunctioning. if it ran fine for a few days and then just all of a sudden won't start. Tells me the battery slowly drained and now its lost its juice to crank. I do give credit to HD for making a badass battery. I wouldn't recommend putting any of the other replacement oem batteries other than the hd. Don't ask how I know. good luck on your trouble shooting.

 

[wrnglrx]

forgot to mention disconnect the car battery after you get your bike boosted.

 

[doolay1988]

Turns out my battery is fine, had her tested at the HD dealer, but... it turns out my next greatest fear has struck again, the regulator (I'm pretty certain). While riding last night I paid close attention to my voltage, and it was all kinds of jacked up. On start up it would idle at 14V, then as I accelerated she'd actually drop to 12.5V-13.7V, then idle at 12.7V. Not regular at all! Before I started this test my battery was right at 12.9V standing alone, then afterwards she dropped down to 12.3V, only 15 minutes of riding.

Suggestions please, as far as recommendations on choices, parts, etc.

 

[doolay1988]

Possibly the problem?

As I figured out, it was my regulator, but notice* the contact paste on the back of my old regulator. Then look at the regulator plate, where there is hardly a smear on there... I didn't wipe anything yet. I'd imagine this has a part in why the regulator overheated... it simple couldn't transfer it's accumulating heat.