Regulator Failure = Fried Everything!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Thanks, I'll just get replacing everything that got toasted and see what happens. I'll post back with the results and whatever I find.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,376
Likes: 36
From: Round Rock, TX
Thanks again Spanners, I'm able to get a good clear view of the positive battery cable all the way to the starter. Both battery cables are clean and in great condition with no chafing or dry-rot cracks in the shielding. I also looked thoroughly again for any burn marks from possible arcing. Everything looks fine, I haven't found any issues.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Indeed, since the bike's down for electrical repairs I might as well do Cam, Cam Bearing, Pushrods, Breather, Killer MC Carb Mod & Breather Gear.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
Alright, all repairs are done and I'm rocking the FXR again. I guess it's pretty rare that the voltage regulators have failed the way mine did. Most commonly when they fail, they won't allow any charge back to the battery. But in some cases they have failed allowing full voltage from your alternator back to the battery. I was told that's around 30 volts.
The damage caused by this was a destroyed Battery, Ignition Module, Ignition Sensor, Turn Signal Canceller, Headlight, Taillight, all Signal Bulbs, Instrument Bulbs, and the Tachometer was destroyed as well.
Even in doing all the repairs myself, it came to just under $1000.00 in parts. Amazing that you can be just cruising along one day and your bike quits ... and there goes $1000 in parts, OUCH!
Oh well, just the cost have having fun, let the good times roll!
The damage caused by this was a destroyed Battery, Ignition Module, Ignition Sensor, Turn Signal Canceller, Headlight, Taillight, all Signal Bulbs, Instrument Bulbs, and the Tachometer was destroyed as well.
Even in doing all the repairs myself, it came to just under $1000.00 in parts. Amazing that you can be just cruising along one day and your bike quits ... and there goes $1000 in parts, OUCH!
Oh well, just the cost have having fun, let the good times roll!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,199
Likes: 3,087
From: NW AR
Mine failed that way. Took out the new battery. The tach started acting weird and the volt meter was way high. Fortunately, everything else was OK.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Hey Rich, good job setting it straight - sorry it cost you so much dinero.
I had the regulator go on my shovel FXR, while riding. I had just enough juice ( after some how push starting it ) to make a short ride home, at night. Kept the revs high and stopped for nothing, like traffic lights or cars blocking my path. As I was only outputting one birthday candle power for lights, I slipped through traffic in stealth mode. Bike quit for good at my garage door. New regulator and a new battery was the fix here. Better days ahead to you Rich.
I had the regulator go on my shovel FXR, while riding. I had just enough juice ( after some how push starting it ) to make a short ride home, at night. Kept the revs high and stopped for nothing, like traffic lights or cars blocking my path. As I was only outputting one birthday candle power for lights, I slipped through traffic in stealth mode. Bike quit for good at my garage door. New regulator and a new battery was the fix here. Better days ahead to you Rich.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 68
From: Big Bear City, CA
I still don't understand why a breaker couldn't be put in line to break circuit at anything over around 15 volts. I was talking with a guy that does auto electrics, but it was over my head.
BTW, rather than buying the OEM ignition module I went with the Dynatek. OEM Rev Limiter and Tach red-line was 5100 rpms. The Dynatek Rev Limiter is 6000 rpms. While looking at used Tach's on eBay I'm finding Sportster tach's with the red-line on the dial at 6000 rpms. Am I right in assuming I can use a Sportster to replace my current tach?