Charging System question for diagnosis

[tscat01]

I was riding the other day and took a short trip, after i went to restart the bike, the battery was dead.The battery is brand new from American Sport Bike, i replaced the battery b/c this problem would happen from time to time.

Charging voltage is anywhere between 12.8-14.0v

Resistance in alternator wires is between .3-.5 ohms between sockets 1-2, 2-3, 3-1

AC Output @ 2000 rpm is 30-43 vAC

Are there any other tests for the alternator or is it likely my voltage regulator is at fault and if so are there tests for the voltage regulator

 

[tscat01]

anyone?

 

[Rays]

If the charging is intermittent it is possible that it is a subtle issue with the '77 connector (given you tested 3 phases you must have the earlier system).

This is a relatively common problem and pretty straight-forward to check. I posted this on Google docs ages ago - it might help. I also have this linked off my profile. If you keep this connection clean and tight it will give you reliable service (I had a similar intermittent problem with my '06 Uly and it is still in place 80,000km later). Buell did replace this with a Deutsche connector on replacement regulators - there are details about this at the end of the document.

https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AflAL-QRJACkZDRyYnh3cl8yMGRxNWtoZg

It could also be the regulator itself - they have a couple of failure modes and the only real test is with them in-circuit and measuring the charging voltage on the battery. They do not work in a no-load (disconnected) configuration.

The other test you need to do with the stator is to check for resistance to ground from the phases - I assume that is OK if you are getting a good AC reading across each phase.

There is also the current draw test with the ignition off - see section 7.7 in the Firebolt service manual you can download from this site as the charging system is identical.

 

[tscat01]

appreciate the input ill have to try the current draw test, and ill have to look into the connector 77 issue, thanks a lot

 

[jimijeans]

If it turns out to be the connector the Dealer OR American SportBike should have the parts you need. The Regulator may be at fault but when checking the Connector if the wires are burned or chafed in any way then replace.Check the wires first and if the Regulator instead is the problem then the New Regulator is usually packaged with a Newer Upgraded pigtail connector and you can install it all at one time. Some years of the Older Models of XBs had some problems with the Burnt Terminals ,that was the fix H/D came out with.Welcome to the forum.*Jimi