84 FLHTC Electrical Test Procedure
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 440
Likes: 1
From: NW Burbs of Chicago
84 FLHTC Electrical Test Procedure
Changed computers and my history/bookmarks are gone. Someone had posted a procedure for testing the electrical system on my bike a few years ago that was very clear and helpful last time I had electrical problems. 84 FLHTC
Can't seem to come up with the right search terms to find the post(s) related to this.
The situation - my voltmeter indicates about 10.5 most of the time but I know they are not very reliable. When I stop at a light in neutral the radio shuts off and turns back on repeatedly so I am thinking voltage is low. Periodically the voltmeter swings wildly between both ends of the scale ever few seconds.The battery was low/acceptable on a load test.
I know I need to test the rotor and then the voltage regulator but don't know anymore what the readings are supposed to be.
Can anyone point me at the procedure?
Can't seem to come up with the right search terms to find the post(s) related to this.
The situation - my voltmeter indicates about 10.5 most of the time but I know they are not very reliable. When I stop at a light in neutral the radio shuts off and turns back on repeatedly so I am thinking voltage is low. Periodically the voltmeter swings wildly between both ends of the scale ever few seconds.The battery was low/acceptable on a load test.
I know I need to test the rotor and then the voltage regulator but don't know anymore what the readings are supposed to be.
Can anyone point me at the procedure?
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 817
Likes: 1
From: N.E. Ohio
Here you go. Thank Dr Hess. 6th reply down. I saved the link. I actually printed it and save it in my shop manual. You are definitely not charging. Hopefully it's just a regulator. You will need a meter. If you don't have one just pick up a cheap one. Wal-Mart, Harbor Freight, Radio shack will all have one that's cheap and will work just fine. Good luck.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...ok-a-poop.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/evo-c...ok-a-poop.html
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
Check your battery wiring for corrosion and be sure to tightly secure the wiring to the battery, starter and solenoid, and make sure you have a good ground to the frame.
Your stock recharging system is only 22 amps and if the primary oil stinks it's from a burned up/out stator.
10.5 volts is not even enough to top the battery back off for the next restart. The fact that the radio is dying out while at an idle, while stopped is another sign your entire electrical system is failing. Swinging wildly could mean a broken or shorting wire in the charging circuit.
I installed an H/D upgrade kit to 32 amps on my '86 that included a new stator, matching rotor, and matching regulator and it made a big difference. I had to add a new battery to that list too. Once the battery starts to not hold a charge it also puts a strain on the charging / starting system.
Hope it's an easy fix!
Your stock recharging system is only 22 amps and if the primary oil stinks it's from a burned up/out stator.
10.5 volts is not even enough to top the battery back off for the next restart. The fact that the radio is dying out while at an idle, while stopped is another sign your entire electrical system is failing. Swinging wildly could mean a broken or shorting wire in the charging circuit.
I installed an H/D upgrade kit to 32 amps on my '86 that included a new stator, matching rotor, and matching regulator and it made a big difference. I had to add a new battery to that list too. Once the battery starts to not hold a charge it also puts a strain on the charging / starting system.
Hope it's an easy fix!
Last edited by JohnnyC; Jul 9, 2011 at 12:10 AM.
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