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Hey all, what are the chances I have a bad brand new voltage regulator? I plugged it in today and I got no upcharge on the battery. Brand new battery showing 12.8 volts on idle. Voltage stays the same at 2000 rpm. Stator shows around 29 - 30 volts at 2000 rpm. Only 2 wires going from the stator to the voltage regulator. Any chance you can plug it in incorrectly? Going to take it out later today and see if anything changes.
Yes, you can have a bad regulator out of the box. If you are using aftermarket, some are better than others.
You should have more voltage from the stator at 2k RPM's, like 60-70 volts. Also need to check the stator for a short to ground. If all else test good, then the regulator is the likely problem.
There is a really nice charging system diagnostic check posted in the electrical section that has all the steps to diagnose a problem.
Took the bike out for a bit. Battery is definitely not charging. I have a hard time believing it's the brand new regulator. Ill have to check the stator again in the morning. Any of you ever bought a stator from amaz0n? I don't want to wait longer than I have to.
If it is the stator, they are not the easiest to replace, so I'd use either Cycle Electric or one from HD, they are a known quantity. No online auctions or Amazon on parts like this. And that way you don't have to do it twice.
If you don't have a factory HD service manual, you should get one if you have to replace the stator etc. When you unplug the regulator connector at the stator, look closely at the connector pins too.
Run the full diagnostic, and let us know what you discover.
It's certainly possible to get a bad regulator, it's also possible to get a bad NEW battery. Happened to me, New Harley AGM.
What part of Tx are you in, you may find an independent shop that stocks regulators.
There is one in Georgetown Tx my boy (he lives there)and I have used often.
Ok, ran some test. Checked voltage on battery...12.8 v. Checked battery with bike running...12.8 no change. Checked stator with multimeter, bike running 2000 rpms volts steady rising up to 38. It appears stator is putting out the specified juice. Checked old and new regulator neither is sending voltage back to the battery. What now? Check grounds? Another regulator?
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