voltage regulator?
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: harrisburg pa
voltage regulator?
having electrical issues withe my 86 flhtc, bike idles fine, but when i hold the brake the volt meter drops, and then when i go for a ride it starts to jump and the dash lights get dim then bright again, the engine cuts out and backfires from fuel buildup, i can restart it but the volt meter keeps moving around and then over charges, never stays steady. i replaced the regulator with a cheaper knockoff i ordered online as my local Harley dealer wanted $120 or more and didnt have it in stock for m year bike, but it stilll has the same issues, has anyone had this experience and found out why? im thinking it may be the stator?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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sounds like a ground or connection issue which seems to be a common thread on harley. i would start with ground issues for without a solid ground, the positive measurements can be effected, start at battery, frame/eng ground points and make sure the regulator is firmly grounded, some add a extra ground if the regulator relies only on its case to machine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
If it were a short it would trip the breaker for that circuit.
Bad connection or bad battery.
First you must charge the battery and have it load tested, then you can troubleshoot.
Or you could just continue guessing and buying parts.
Bad connection or bad battery.
First you must charge the battery and have it load tested, then you can troubleshoot.
Or you could just continue guessing and buying parts.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: harrisburg pa
had a new battery installed when i got the bike, but I will check it again with the tester. thx for the advice.
also I double checked ground on the voltage reg and used a grinder to take the paint off underneath where it mounts on the frame
also I double checked ground on the voltage reg and used a grinder to take the paint off underneath where it mounts on the frame
Banned
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 4,576
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From: Viet Vet, crossroads
Have they put a CB between the reg and battery?
i think sometimes there is one up at the battery...but there is 4 feet of no protection there................
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,173
Likes: 12,740
From: South Carolina
Don`t use the voltmeter on the bike as a troubleshooting tool...
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: harrisburg pa
Kingglide,not sure what you mean by a cb, unless you mean a breaker? i;ll have to do some more research and spend more time trying to f'ollow the wiring.
it was working fine until i put a new radio in it, thats when all this started, i even replaced the bank of 4 breakers behind the fairing since its a pain to get them any other time, just trying to prevent future problems. i took my time and wired the radio exactly as the stock one and shrink wrapped every connection. the radio worked and i put the fairing back on, and took it out with my daughter on the back so we could enjoy the music as we rode, when we only got a few miles from home and it started acting up, cutting in and out , stalling, backfiring etc, so we made it home by a wing and prayer, and i replaced the regulator and then the radio stopped working, so maybe there is a short in behind the fairing somewhere? i think i'll start there and take that apart and see what i can find, thanks for all the advice.
it was working fine until i put a new radio in it, thats when all this started, i even replaced the bank of 4 breakers behind the fairing since its a pain to get them any other time, just trying to prevent future problems. i took my time and wired the radio exactly as the stock one and shrink wrapped every connection. the radio worked and i put the fairing back on, and took it out with my daughter on the back so we could enjoy the music as we rode, when we only got a few miles from home and it started acting up, cutting in and out , stalling, backfiring etc, so we made it home by a wing and prayer, and i replaced the regulator and then the radio stopped working, so maybe there is a short in behind the fairing somewhere? i think i'll start there and take that apart and see what i can find, thanks for all the advice.
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