'77 kz1000 charging troubles

  • dshelly
  • dshelly's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 259
  • Thanks: 5

'77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 09:50
#219619
I could use some troubleshooting help on my '77 kz1000. The system wasn't charging so I replaced the regulator and rectifier with an all in one, plug in unit. I've checked the leads from the stator with my multimeter according to the book and it checks out allright. However, when I check the voltage off the stator plug when running @4000 RPM the voltage goes up and down. I can't get a steady reading. Any ideas?
Occupation:Machinist 25+ exp.
'77 Kz1000B1
'78 Kz1000A2
'76 Kz900LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • PFC FNG
  • PFC FNG's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • I've got the sickness!!!
  • Posts: 200
  • Thanks: 0

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 09:53
#219620
Check for any shorts or check the regulator/rectifier to determine of the voltage fluctuations are caused by something in the wiring or the unit itself.
I know it would not be any fun if it was easy, but does it have to be this much fun?
84 ZX750 GPZ (Waiting for paint)
Eastpoint, Mi

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dshelly
  • dshelly's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 259
  • Thanks: 5

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 09:59
#219621
The fluctuation come straight off the plug from the stator.
Occupation:Machinist 25+ exp.
'77 Kz1000B1
'78 Kz1000A2
'76 Kz900LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • bountyhunter
  • bountyhunter's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 7246
  • Thanks: 338

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 11:42
#219641
Is the battery voltage fluctuating? The regulator is supposed to keep that constant.
1979 KZ-750 Twin

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Patton
  • Patton's Avatar
  • Offline
  • KZr Legend
  • Posts: 18640
  • Thanks: 2100

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 11:47
#219642
Would assure cable from negative battery terminal has good solid connection where it attaches to ground at engine or frame.

Am uncertain what's being measured involving the stator connector, but here's how to check the charging system:

Voltage reading across battery terminals at idle rpm should be 12-13 volts; and at 3000-4000 rpm, should be 14-16 volts.

Good Luck! :)
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dshelly
  • dshelly's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 259
  • Thanks: 5

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 12:32
#219653
have checked ground. it looks good . the voltage fluctuates both at the battery with the stator plugged in and also right off the pins from the plug, with it unhooked from everything. I can't get a steady reading whatsoever.
Occupation:Machinist 25+ exp.
'77 Kz1000B1
'78 Kz1000A2
'76 Kz900LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Samwell
  • Samwell's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 260
  • Thanks: 1

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 17:07
#219683
dshelly wrote:
have checked ground. it looks good . the voltage fluctuates both at the battery with the stator plugged in and also right off the pins from the plug, with it unhooked from everything. I can't get a steady reading whatsoever.

This may sound really basic, but if you can't get a steady reading is your meter working?

With the key off, what reaading do you get at the battery? Then with the key on?

As for the stator's output, check the resistances in all three legs (0.5-0.7 ohms) and then stator wires to ground (should be infinite). With the engine running, what battery readings are you getting?

Sam
--
Current Rides: 2013 BMW R1200GSW, 1972 BMW R75/5
Current Project: 1978 KZ1000A2: Supercrank'd by Falicon, APE studs and nuts, Dyna Green coils, powder coated frame and fenders, Stainless brake lines, dual front discs, pods, Kerker Exhaust, 1075cc with JE pistons

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • donthekawguy
  • donthekawguy's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 1913
  • Thanks: 8

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

12 Jun 2008 23:05
#219729
I had the same problem on my 78. I replaced everything and still had the problem unitl... I checked the coils. I picked up a set of used accell's off ebay. I wonder why he was selling them. :angry:
Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dshelly
  • dshelly's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 259
  • Thanks: 5

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

13 Jun 2008 05:47
#219755
Just checked the battery,, key off 12.8V, key on 12.4 , Also checked stator, 3 pins to ground(ohms)infinite, ohms across pins .9 ohms on all 3. With the bike runing, you can't get a reading, it jumps around too much.
Occupation:Machinist 25+ exp.
'77 Kz1000B1
'78 Kz1000A2
'76 Kz900LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Oznative
  • Oznative's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 83
  • Thanks: 0

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

23 Jun 2008 08:07
#221661
If your using a digital meter I bet the High frequency RF being generated by the bike is causing the meter to jump. Try moving the meter away from the bike.
1977 KZ1000 A-1 Just north of Boston

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • dshelly
  • dshelly's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 259
  • Thanks: 5

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

23 Jun 2008 11:52
#221696
I switched from my digital meter to an analog one, Now I show a steady 13.5 Volts when running at the battery. who'd a thunk?

Thanks for the info everyone.
Occupation:Machinist 25+ exp.
'77 Kz1000B1
'78 Kz1000A2
'76 Kz900LTD

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Samwell
  • Samwell's Avatar
  • Offline
  • User
  • Posts: 260
  • Thanks: 1

Re: '77 kz1000 charging troubles

23 Jun 2008 15:49
#221737
dshelly wrote:
I switched from my digital meter to an analog one, Now I show a steady 13.5 Volts when running at the battery. who'd a thunk?

Thanks for the info everyone.

Well, I guess Oznative thunk'd it! :woohoo: :silly: :woohoo:

Glad you sorted it out and things are running smoothly.

S
--
Current Rides: 2013 BMW R1200GSW, 1972 BMW R75/5
Current Project: 1978 KZ1000A2: Supercrank'd by Falicon, APE studs and nuts, Dyna Green coils, powder coated frame and fenders, Stainless brake lines, dual front discs, pods, Kerker Exhaust, 1075cc with JE pistons

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Powered by Kunena Forum