Charging Problems

[jeep28guy]

Hey guys, need some help with charging issues on a '76 CB550F...

I pretty much totally re-wired this bike, and I used the Ford regulator and Radio Shack rectifier that have been talked about in this thread with the new wiring. I'm also running a brand new 12v 10ah sealed battery with the system. The problem is, the battery won't charge from the bike. I've tried two different brand new regulators and wired them both ways (white in the middle, green and black on either left or right). The battery will take a charge from a battery charger, but it is not charging when riding. This is very evident when after riding for awhile the bike poops out and dies.. After a charge on the battery tender the bike will fire right up again and go 'till it's once again dead.

What should I be looking for? What tests can I run? Help!?!?! ???

 

[DrJ]

What about the stator? That's where the energy is coming from.

 

[jeep28guy]

BTW, its probably not a charging issue, you just dont know what your doing
PJ

You are correct PJ, I don't know what I'm doing, hence my plea for help!

I searched this board and others for hours on how to wire the Ford regulator in to this bike, and could never find a definative answer. Someone told me that the white always goes in the middle on a regulator, the black on one side, and green on the other. I don't know if he is correct or not, but that is the only solidish info I found. So, I originally hooked it up with green on the left (A on the regulator) white in the middle (S on regulator) and black on the right (F on regulator). When I started the bike in this configuration there was a loud pop from the general area of the regulator. It drove and worked, but eventually pooped out. I replaced the regulator, and switched the black and green. This time no pop (presumably good) and the bike seemed ok, that is until the battery went dead a short time later. I know I need to check voltage across the battery and when I did with my cheap analog multi-meter, it showed a barely perceivable change in voltage even with a good rev of the engine. At this point I assumed that the regulator is good, but again, still no charge.

If it is indeed the stator, how can I test it?

Would the rectifier have anything to do with my problems? Here again I searched forever on how to do this with this bike, as it has 3 yellow wires which need to be connected. I found the answer here:

http://xs650temp.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=Charging&action=display&thread=3473&page=1

and wired it the same as they show it.

I don't know if I wired something wrong with the regulator or rectifier, or if it is something completely different like the stator / alternator.

I've been lurking on the boards for awhile now, and have been very impressed with the sense of community and willingness to help others, especially those of us who are just getting started playing with these fun old machines! I hope someone can give me some much needed advice on where to be looking here and how to look for it..

 

[rebellion ind]

I really don't know much of anything when it comes to electrics on motorcycles since my tailight keeps burning out, but here is a link that answered some related questions for me. http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/FAQ.html Hope it helps in some way.

 

[DrJ]

If it is indeed the stator, how can I test it?

I can tell you how I do it on my CB350, your stator is probably similar. First determine that there is continuity between all wires in the plug that comes out of the stator. Second determine that there is no continuity between any of the stator wires to ground. If there is continuity between the stator wires to ground then it's no good. Then check the voltage output directly from the stator, your battery must be well charged to do this. Unplug the stator and touch positive lead of voltmeter to a wire and ground lead to ground. If you get a healthy reading of around 14-15 volts AC as you rev higher, all is well.