Is my charging voltage too high?
#1
12-20-2018, 06:22 PM
Is my charging voltage too high?
I have a ‘17 EG Ultra Limited. I didn’t take notice of this before, but the voltmeter is about on the red at idle...and stays about the same at higher RPMs. I checked the voltage, with a known good DMM, at the trickle charge pigtail, and it was 15.1 volts at idle with cold motor and 65 degrees f.
is this too high? I have another 3K before the next service, and I’m wondering if this is too high and if I should have it looked at before the next service.
is this too high? I have another 3K before the next service, and I’m wondering if this is too high and if I should have it looked at before the next service.
#2
12-20-2018, 08:51 PM
Club Member
#3
12-21-2018, 12:59 PM
Thanks! I couldn’t find the over voltage info in my Manuel. So, it looks like the range is 14.7 to 15.5...so I’m ok. Seems that with today’s technology they could tighten up the range, and do intelligent charging like a charger or trickle charger does. But, if it’s not hurting anything...I’m not going to worry about it.
#4
12-21-2018, 09:47 PM
I know the manual says 15.5 volts is in spec, but I think that's too high. Batteries shouldn't be charged at any higher voltage than 14.7v. For maximum lifespan it should be about 14.1v. A slightly higher charging voltage is expected at lower temperature, but it should only go up just 0.1 volts or so at 32 deg F. At 15.5 volts the battery will be continuously overcharged which will shorten its life.
I suppose HD won't warrant it since it's in spec, but if it was my bike I'd troubleshoot further and probably end up changing the regulator.
Not sure what Vernal was getting at. Maybe this: I would check the voltage right on the battery terminals with the engine running. If you have a poor connection to the battery or from the battery to ground it could be causing you to see a higher voltage where you are measuring it. If it's 15.5 at the battery terminals I would suspect the regulator is bad.
I can monitor the voltage on my bike while I'm riding. It runs 14.1 to 14.3 volts.
I suppose HD won't warrant it since it's in spec, but if it was my bike I'd troubleshoot further and probably end up changing the regulator.
Not sure what Vernal was getting at. Maybe this: I would check the voltage right on the battery terminals with the engine running. If you have a poor connection to the battery or from the battery to ground it could be causing you to see a higher voltage where you are measuring it. If it's 15.5 at the battery terminals I would suspect the regulator is bad.
I can monitor the voltage on my bike while I'm riding. It runs 14.1 to 14.3 volts.
#5
12-21-2018, 09:51 PM
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#6
12-22-2018, 08:23 AM
Club Member
I think it's too high. Something's changed and you noticed it on the gauge. Any recent mods? Still under warranty
The manual says Check Voltage at 3K RPM then check the VR to ground, ohm it out. I'd check all connections + & - .
Call your dealer and see what they think, maybe they have a VR in stock and could do a quick swap to check.
Good Luck
The manual says Check Voltage at 3K RPM then check the VR to ground, ohm it out. I'd check all connections + & - .
Call your dealer and see what they think, maybe they have a VR in stock and could do a quick swap to check.
Good Luck
#7
12-23-2018, 10:14 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
do intelligent charging like a charger or trickle charger does.
Stick with dumb, on charge all the time.
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#9
12-24-2018, 11:39 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Victron AGM: Bulk and Absorption 14.2 - 14.6 volts (standard service) or 14.6 - 14.9 volts for fast recharge
Float 13.5 - 13.8 volts
Storage 13.2 - 13.5 volts
Trojan AGM: Bulk 14.4 volts
Absorption 14.1 - 14.7 volts
Finish 14.7 volts
Float 13.5 volts
That looks like the float voltage. That would be if you intend to have the battery in a circuit full time as a backup should the main supply fail.
Float 13.5 - 13.8 volts
Storage 13.2 - 13.5 volts
Trojan AGM: Bulk 14.4 volts
Absorption 14.1 - 14.7 volts
Finish 14.7 volts
Float 13.5 volts
AGM batteries die over 13.8 volts.
#10
12-28-2018, 05:55 PM