Charging System Not Working? Please Help!

I have a 1976 Z1, and the charging system is not working? I have replaced the stator and the rectifier and regulator with units that are known to be good.(But not brand new)
Also, I tried aftermarket parts and still it is not working.
Any ideas would be helpful?

First, how do you know your charging system isn't working? Is the battery going dead?

You have replaced stuff. Have you done any troubleshooting? When you run the bike, did you measure the AC coming off the stator? Have you measured the voltage on your battery when the bike is idling and then when you kick up the rpms?

Last, has the battery been checked with a hydrometer to ensure cells are not dead?

I uploaded an Electrical Fault Finding Chart to our Filebase section. It was a great help to me at one time, maybe now it will help you.

Click the 'Community' tab at the top of the page, then 'Filebase' on the drop down menu. Then click "Not model specific", and it is at the end of Page 3.

try disconecting ground cable while motor is running,should stay running if charging

The Battery in new, and all these things have been checked. The ac voltage is Apx. 70 volts at 4000rpms and all other things check out fine?
This is my problem?

What kind of troubles are you having? With the engine idling, put your voltmeter on the battery terminals.Less than about 12.5volts or more than 14.5volts is probably out of spec and you need to dig further. Too low means check the stator, too high and the reg/rect is on its way out. This of course assumes that your battery is fully charged and in good shape. Start with the easy stuff first and be methodical. Get a new or known good fully charge battery, make sure the connections are clean and tight and then test.

I used to own an old Suzi GS. These had weak charging systems so I've been through it a few times. Patience is your friend.

Sam

DJMoto wrote:

The Battery in new, and all these things have been checked.

All "what things" have been checked?

The ac voltage is Apx. 70 volts at 4000rpms and all other things check out fine?

That sounds ok, did you do the "fault finding chart" yet?

Again, all "what things" have been checked?

This is my problem?

Still need more details.

kent .is sid pogue still running a shp in oklahoma city?

your bike is cursed

the only fix is to swap it for one of my derelicts and get yourself a new and interesting set of problems.

How about this fine CX500!






-Duck

wireguy wrote:

kent .is sid pogue still running a shp in oklahoma city?

I believe so, it's in the 2005 Yellow Pages..
Pogue Machine Co (405) 677-9397 3700 S High Ave Oklahoma City, OK

wireguy wrote:

try disconecting ground cable while motor is running,should stay running if charging

This is not a good idea. JTMcculoch melted his electrical system because of this. It's in the archives somewhere.

Never really figured out why, though.

thats weird,disconecting the ground cable shouldnt cause a problem .if the charging system is working the motor should keep running off the alternator unless he has a bunch of disconected ground wires.ill see if i can find his post .