Help with ? electrical problem?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 3,071
From: USA
Help with ? electrical problem?
Greetings, I introduced myself to the EVO forum a couple of years ago when I bought my 1993 Heritage Softail Classic. Bike currently has just under 18k miles on it. My son has been riding this and has had sporadic problems where he had to be towed twice. Most recent was tonight. We were riding the state parks and I noticed his lights were getting dim. He thought the bike was running out of fuel because it started to sputter and then it just stalled. Tried to start it with the switch and it just clicked. Tried to jump it (slow roll, 2nd gear, popping the clutch). Nothing.
We recently replaced the voltage regulator as this has happened once before where the battery was completely drained on a ride. My son added an amp and speakers. Everything was fine up to this point. Then the battery started draining and lights went dim on rides. EDIT: We have since removed the amp and speakers.
So, being that we have already replaced the voltage regulator, is the next step replacing the stater? I have a service manual and have great mechanical intent, but limited mechanical ability. If it is the stater, is this a job I can tackle at home? Any other suggestions while I'm in there?
This is my son with the bike as we waited for the tow.
Thanks for all your help.
We recently replaced the voltage regulator as this has happened once before where the battery was completely drained on a ride. My son added an amp and speakers. Everything was fine up to this point. Then the battery started draining and lights went dim on rides. EDIT: We have since removed the amp and speakers.
So, being that we have already replaced the voltage regulator, is the next step replacing the stater? I have a service manual and have great mechanical intent, but limited mechanical ability. If it is the stater, is this a job I can tackle at home? Any other suggestions while I'm in there?
This is my son with the bike as we waited for the tow.
Thanks for all your help.
Last edited by ConfuciusSay; Aug 4, 2016 at 08:30 PM. Reason: Additional info
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 3,071
From: USA
Understood. I edited the original message to indicate that we removed the amp and speakers and the problem still persists. Thanks for bringing that to my attention so I could clarify.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Get the battery fully charged to begin with and test the charging system. The most basic is to start the bike and use a volt meter to check to see it is receiving a charge.
I have not used this test that the link I am posting but many have.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-1-a.html
I have not used this test that the link I am posting but many have.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/elect...sting-1-a.html
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,089
Likes: 1,128
From:
Buy nothing.
Replace nothing.
Charge battery.
Load test battery.
Then check DC voltage at idle and above idle from battery post.
Review AC...yes it will be AC voltage at stator not DC.
Why did you replace a voltage regulator? did you run a test before replacement?
You are describing a non-charging issue, could be as simple as a loose connection.
Or did someone add an amp, radio, lights, heated gear and other items that can tax the system when it is off....hooked directly to battery and forgot to turn something off.
Replace nothing.
Charge battery.
Load test battery.
Then check DC voltage at idle and above idle from battery post.
Review AC...yes it will be AC voltage at stator not DC.
Why did you replace a voltage regulator? did you run a test before replacement?
You are describing a non-charging issue, could be as simple as a loose connection.
Or did someone add an amp, radio, lights, heated gear and other items that can tax the system when it is off....hooked directly to battery and forgot to turn something off.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 7,676
From: Poolville
Yes check your connection at the primary first. You can separate the male butt connector a little with a small screw driver and clean it with contact cleaner. with a volt meter on ac. check the stator output at 2000 rpm. should be between 30-35 volts ac. if not get a new one. The best I've seen and use is the Cycle electric brand... I've tried others, they suck......
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Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,066
Likes: 4,568
From: Haslet Texas
So, being that we have already replaced the voltage regulator, is the next step replacing the stater? I have a service manual and have great mechanical intent, but limited mechanical ability. If it is the stater, is this a job I can tackle at home? Any other suggestions while I'm in there?
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...ng-system.html
Guessing and throwing parts at a problem is a very good way to spend a lot more than needed to fix your problem!!!!!!!!!!!
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