Regulator/Rectifier Question
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 987
Likes: 487
From: Henderson
Regulator/Rectifier Question
I have a 1999 FXR3. Everything is pretty much done on this bike. The only recurring issue I seem to have is the bike does not seem to re charge the battery after long rides. I've replaced the battery last week, along with the cables. The engine is fairly new (S&S 113) so I don't think it's the stator. The only other thing left is the regulator. As usual the dealership is absolutely no help with anything older than 10 years. In fact the parts departments employees are so abysmal here in Las Vegas (with the exception of one employee at RR Harley, who always is insanely busy) that I rarely ask them for anything.
So my question is this, will this regulator work? According to the website it's an exact fit. And more importantly, will this fix my charging issues?? I really want to trust this bike.
https://www.denniskirk.com/cycle-ele...prd/H21883.sku
Thanks for your help..
So my question is this, will this regulator work? According to the website it's an exact fit. And more importantly, will this fix my charging issues?? I really want to trust this bike.
https://www.denniskirk.com/cycle-ele...prd/H21883.sku
Thanks for your help..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Like already mentioned.....you have to start diagnosing what the problem is.
This isnt an area I recommend changing parts to take care of the problem. Gets expensive and sometimes doesnt take care of the issue.
Troubleshoot the right way....then try to figure out what caused the part to fail.
This isnt an area I recommend changing parts to take care of the problem. Gets expensive and sometimes doesnt take care of the issue.
Troubleshoot the right way....then try to figure out what caused the part to fail.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3,030
From: Brighton, MI
Agree with the others, however, if you do find out it's the regulator, then cycle electric is top notch. Good stuff. Compu-fire is good also, both are made in USA, just make sure the regulator is well grounded. YD
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 122
From: Iowa
After a long ride (or at a stop during a long ride), have you used a volt meter at the battery terminals to see what the charging voltage is with the engine running?
Volt meters/multimeters take the guessing out of what's going on with the electrical system.
Buy one and learn how to use it if you don't know how, to save yourself some $$$ throwing money at parts you don't need..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,564
Likes: 3,317
From: Cental, MI
I'd first check to make sure your current regulator is well grounded before buying a new one.
After a long ride (or at a stop during a long ride), have you used a volt meter at the battery terminals to see what the charging voltage is with the engine running?
Volt meters/multimeters take the guessing out of what's going on with the electrical system.
Buy one and learn how to use it if you don't know how, to save yourself some $$$ throwing money at parts you don't need..
After a long ride (or at a stop during a long ride), have you used a volt meter at the battery terminals to see what the charging voltage is with the engine running?
Volt meters/multimeters take the guessing out of what's going on with the electrical system.
Buy one and learn how to use it if you don't know how, to save yourself some $$$ throwing money at parts you don't need..
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 987
Likes: 487
From: Henderson
So, we checked the charging system and everything is running properly off the stator. It's probably NOT the regulator, but that's being replaced anyway. SOMETHING is draining the battery on a ride longer than an hour. All of the grounds were checked when I was doing the upgrades.
The starter was replaced last year with a Spykes starter. I opened the starter and everything is connected properly and solenoid looked fine.
My fear might be reality. I think there's a wire somewhere in the harness that is grounding out or something. On a full charge after being on the tender, when I hit the start button, there is a rapid clicking while the engine is being turned over. So now I need to go through the entire wiring system. This has been an ongoing issue with this bike since I bought it in 07. The engine was replaced by the original owner(Hot Shot 107), and then I replaced that motor with a S&S 113. So who know what's really going on in there. I think I'll take it to a shop when I get the funds, and have them do a complete rewire after I swap the regulator on Monday.
I really want to be able to trust this bike.
The starter was replaced last year with a Spykes starter. I opened the starter and everything is connected properly and solenoid looked fine.
My fear might be reality. I think there's a wire somewhere in the harness that is grounding out or something. On a full charge after being on the tender, when I hit the start button, there is a rapid clicking while the engine is being turned over. So now I need to go through the entire wiring system. This has been an ongoing issue with this bike since I bought it in 07. The engine was replaced by the original owner(Hot Shot 107), and then I replaced that motor with a S&S 113. So who know what's really going on in there. I think I'll take it to a shop when I get the funds, and have them do a complete rewire after I swap the regulator on Monday.
I really want to be able to trust this bike.
Trending Topics
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 2,570
From: NC USA
Doubtful an intermittent short in the harness would drain it down while riding. It'd have to open a breaker regularly if it's shorting to ground.
Stator tests can be misleading. That is, it can check not shorted and voltage output but still have a deficiency. Oil is an insulator and can hide a bad spot on the winding and while running allow the short to occur intermittently. Also, the regulator can let A/C voltage thru if it's defective which won't charge the battery.
The tests in the sticky at the top of the Evo forum page are excellent. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...ng-system.html
If you're satisfied it passed all that, I'd put an analog volt gauge (with a needle) on it temporarily tied to the handlebars or somewhere you can see what is actually going on with the system while riding. Again, a failing stator can "pass" a static test but still not charge under load especially after it's up to running temperatures. A dirty or bad connection at the stator/regulator plug can be an issue causing intermittent charging problems.
Stator tests can be misleading. That is, it can check not shorted and voltage output but still have a deficiency. Oil is an insulator and can hide a bad spot on the winding and while running allow the short to occur intermittently. Also, the regulator can let A/C voltage thru if it's defective which won't charge the battery.
The tests in the sticky at the top of the Evo forum page are excellent. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...ng-system.html
If you're satisfied it passed all that, I'd put an analog volt gauge (with a needle) on it temporarily tied to the handlebars or somewhere you can see what is actually going on with the system while riding. Again, a failing stator can "pass" a static test but still not charge under load especially after it's up to running temperatures. A dirty or bad connection at the stator/regulator plug can be an issue causing intermittent charging problems.
Last edited by t150vej; Sep 25, 2020 at 10:24 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,026
Likes: 12,549
From: South Carolina
You have not told us how you tested the charging system.
The troubleshooting process will tell you what is most likely failing.
You appear to still be guessing.
If it were a wire grounding out, it wouldn`t matter how much charge the battery had.
You don`t need to go through the entire wiring system, you need to first find out exactly what is making the clicking noise, that will narrow it down considerably.
It is either a breaker, the start relay, or the starter solenoid. You need to get your hands on them and find out which it is.
That is an absurd idea. Your troubleshooting ideas have no logic because you don`t understand how the electrical system works.
Take a deep breath and let us help you through it.
The troubleshooting process will tell you what is most likely failing.
You appear to still be guessing.
My fear might be reality. I think there's a wire somewhere in the harness that is grounding out or something. On a full charge after being on the tender, when I hit the start button, there is a rapid clicking while the engine is being turned over. So now I need to go through the entire wiring system.
You don`t need to go through the entire wiring system, you need to first find out exactly what is making the clicking noise, that will narrow it down considerably.
It is either a breaker, the start relay, or the starter solenoid. You need to get your hands on them and find out which it is.
Take a deep breath and let us help you through it.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Sep 25, 2020 at 10:57 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,712
Likes: 3,030
From: Brighton, MI
You have not told us how you tested the charging system.
The troubleshooting process will tell you what is most likely failing.
You appear to still be guessing.
If it were a wire grounding out, it wouldn`t matter how much charge the battery had.
You don`t need to go through the entire wiring system, you need to first find out exactly what is making the clicking noise, that will narrow it down considerably.
It is either a breaker, the start relay, or the starter solenoid. You need to get your hands on them and find out which it is.
That is an absurd idea. Your troubleshooting ideas have no logic because you don`t understand how the electrical system works.
Take a deep breath and let us help you through it.
The troubleshooting process will tell you what is most likely failing.
You appear to still be guessing.
If it were a wire grounding out, it wouldn`t matter how much charge the battery had.
You don`t need to go through the entire wiring system, you need to first find out exactly what is making the clicking noise, that will narrow it down considerably.
It is either a breaker, the start relay, or the starter solenoid. You need to get your hands on them and find out which it is.
That is an absurd idea. Your troubleshooting ideas have no logic because you don`t understand how the electrical system works.
Take a deep breath and let us help you through it.