'74 Panhead overcharging
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 3
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From: Lake Hawea
'74 Panhead overcharging
A friend just asked if I would look at his '74 panhead he thinks is overcharging. I know a little about autoelectrics but aren't familiar with HD's. He said the battery is bubbling which makes him presume overcharging is the issue. The bike has been off the road a couple of years so battery is old. Will this be an alternator or generator? The regulator is aparently on the end of generator/alternator. I am going to look at it this weekend for him. I plan on checking voltage while it is charging and checking amp output. What values for both are correct? Are the regulators solid state or adjustable? Anything else anyone can suggest would be great. Thanks in advance.
A J
A J
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,078
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From: The Wasteland
Yep, very rare, limited production. Probably worth a fortune.
If the bike is a '74 its a Shovel, not a Pan. Harley stopped making Pans in the mid to late 60s and switched to the Shovelhead.
A friend just asked if I would look at his '74 panhead he thinks is overcharging. I know a little about autoelectrics but aren't familiar with HD's. He said the battery is bubbling which makes him presume overcharging is the issue. The bike has been off the road a couple of years so battery is old. Will this be an alternator or generator? The regulator is aparently on the end of generator/alternator. I am going to look at it this weekend for him. I plan on checking voltage while it is charging and checking amp output. What values for both are correct? Are the regulators solid state or adjustable? Anything else anyone can suggest would be great. Thanks in advance.
A J
A J
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Mar 1, 2018 at 09:15 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,732
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
See below:
A friend just asked if I would look at his '74 panhead
NO SUCH THING - STOPPED MAKING PANS IN '65 - STOPPED USING GENERATORS IN '69
he thinks is overcharging. I know a little about autoelectrics but aren't familiar with HD's. He said the battery is bubbling which makes him presume overcharging is the issue. The bike has been off the road a couple of years so battery is old. GET A NEW BATTERY
Will this be an alternator or generator? IF IT'S A '74 IT'S A STATOR
The regulator is aparently on the end of generator/alternator. GET A NEW ONE
I am going to look at it this weekend for him. I plan on checking voltage while it is charging and checking amp output. What values for both are correct? 18-20 ACV PER 1000 RPM
Are the regulators solid state or adjustable? SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SOLID STATE, BUT ORIGINALLY WAS SIMILAR TO AN OLD CHEVY REGULATOR
Anything else anyone can suggest would be great. MAKE SURE CABLES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND TIGHT
Thanks in advance.O
A J
NO SUCH THING - STOPPED MAKING PANS IN '65 - STOPPED USING GENERATORS IN '69
he thinks is overcharging. I know a little about autoelectrics but aren't familiar with HD's. He said the battery is bubbling which makes him presume overcharging is the issue. The bike has been off the road a couple of years so battery is old. GET A NEW BATTERY
Will this be an alternator or generator? IF IT'S A '74 IT'S A STATOR
The regulator is aparently on the end of generator/alternator. GET A NEW ONE
I am going to look at it this weekend for him. I plan on checking voltage while it is charging and checking amp output. What values for both are correct? 18-20 ACV PER 1000 RPM
Are the regulators solid state or adjustable? SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SOLID STATE, BUT ORIGINALLY WAS SIMILAR TO AN OLD CHEVY REGULATOR
Anything else anyone can suggest would be great. MAKE SURE CABLES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE AND TIGHT
Thanks in advance.O
A J
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
Likes: 22,718
From: Farmington ,MS
He said the battery is bubbling which makes him presume overcharging is the issue. The bike has been off the road a couple of years so battery is old. Will this be an alternator or generator? The regulator is aparently on the end of generator/alternator.I plan on checking voltage while it is charging and checking amp output. What values for both are correct? Are the regulators solid state or adjustable? Anything else anyone can suggest would be great. Thanks in advance.
A J
A J
The electrolyte bubbling in the battery in itself is not a indication of over charging.
I would have the battery checked out before doing anything.
It sounds like it has an aftermarket generator/regulator so you would need to contact the manufacturer to get specs on it.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 525
Likes: 94
From: Fresno, Calif.
I applaud your post Tom84FXST. I first thought troll wanabe but after reading your post and another look the questions seem valid . If it has a generator it is Pan lowers or earlier. Having had a 1964 Pan with a 6 volt generator and mechanical regulator I get it. What a pain it was every year take the generator out and get it tested , changed the regulator to what was then called a volt pack then just bought a new ($20. lead acid battery ) every Spring.
I miss that bike but sure love my 6 speed trany , music and electric start.
I miss that bike but sure love my 6 speed trany , music and electric start.
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Lake of the Ozarks
I would think he is talking about a 1200 (74 inch FL) panhead as opposed to a 61" panhead(1000cc EL).
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Stage III
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: Lake Hawea
Pan or shovel
Thanks for all the replies guys. You now have me questioning myself if it is a panhead or shovel. I may well have got this wrong and will check today and make sure I have it right. I will also get the battery checked out to make sure it is healthy. Would be great if it was simple as that. My auto electric skills are mainly confined to pre ECU cars but I would like to help this mate out as he has spent a couple of years getting this bike he has owned for many years back on the road. He can see the end in sight now and has just had the wheels back from getting respoked and only has the brake assemblies to get back together and it's all done.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Driftless Area
If it is in fact a slab-side bottom end with a generator, the voltage regulator mounted on the end of it is probably an aftermarket solid state unit from Cycle Electric.
Don't forget to polarize the generator.
Don't forget to polarize the generator.