Charging system upgrade

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May 7, 2019 | 03:46 PM

Bluesman280

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Joined: Jun 2017

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From: Edmonton, AB

Charging system upgrade

Hey guys. Have any of you guys had to upgrade your electrical system to accommodate for the extra amps you have installed?
Currently have an intermittent voltage drop happening when out cruising. Usually happens when I have the stereo cranked and am rolling on the throttle. Suddenly drops from 14.5 down to under 12, then the stereo cuts out.

Guessing it is either the stator or the regulator. Just wondering if it warrants upgrading the complete charging system at this point to allow for extra juice to run the stereo.
Currently I am running a Soundstream PN 4.1000D and a Rockford PBR 300 x 2.
A Sony head unit,

May 7, 2019 | 04:17 PM

Ndfastln

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From: South Central Va

You should not be having problems with just 2 amps. Although I would recommend getting rid of that PBR, they can put out a lot of heat, and heat is wasted energy.

May 7, 2019 | 04:48 PM

Bluesman280

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From: Edmonton, AB

Pretty sure the amps aren't causing it. The bike is a 2005 Ultra Classic with 55k on it. Just wondering if I have to start replacing a regulator or a stator, if it is fine to just stay with stock equipment, or should a guy just spend the extra bucks to upgrade the complete system at this point.

I am only planning on running two amps total. Can't see much of a need to upgrade the charging system. Has anyone else had to upgrade their charging system just to meet their audio needs?

May 7, 2019 | 04:57 PM

Ndfastln

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Joined: Aug 2013

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From: South Central Va

If I remember correctly the 2006(?) and down use a 35 amp charging system and the newer ones run a 50 amp system. So an upgrade wouldn't be a bad thing, especially since you are having a problem. You may want to check me on the years.

May 8, 2019 | 02:38 AM

Bluesman280

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From: Edmonton, AB

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ndfastln

You should not be having problems with just 2 amps. Although I would recommend getting rid of that PBR, they can put out a lot of heat, and heat is wasted energy.

I've run two amps in the past, and haven't had any problems in the past. Pretty sure my issues are voltage regulator based, but always good to know if others have had to upgrade their charging system in the name of better audio.

The PBR is there to run my TP speakers when ever it is on the bike, which is pretty rare these days. Most likely will be swapping it out on the next upgrade which is due to start any day now. Currently in the planning stages.

May 8, 2019 | 06:46 AM

marcodarq

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Joined: May 2014

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From: florida

The 2005 fl touring models came with a 45 amp charging system. I ran 2 mid power range amps for a year with no issues on the stock charging system on my bike. I would suggest some basic diagnostic work before you start to reconfigure the sound system. Connections, wiring, ground integrity, stator output test, test regulator. Then start to test audio stuff. Post up what you find.
M

May 8, 2019 | 08:40 AM

Hoyt 1911A1

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Joined: Sep 2017

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From: Southern Virginia

I know when things only mess up on the road these checks may not find anything, but it might be worth a shot. Sometimes when you move the wiring harness around during testing with your meter you can find an intermittent connection:

Step by Step Instructions for Testing Your Harley’s Charging System