charging system question
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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charging system question
OK my charging system is a bit screwy. i don't know alot about bike so here it goes.
with light off i get 13.5+ volts with a moderate RPM level and 12.3 at idle. i was told the stater or stator needs to be replaced. i know it is under the primary cover but how much and where can i get one with out having to go through HD. i like JPCycles.com as i have got alot through them. any one have a part #? Price? and can i change it on my own? i'm sure i'll need a new gasket as well so part #'s would help on that as well.
Bike: HD Sportster 883 worked over to a 1340
Year: 1988
Thanks
Rick C
www.gbscustoms.com
with light off i get 13.5+ volts with a moderate RPM level and 12.3 at idle. i was told the stater or stator needs to be replaced. i know it is under the primary cover but how much and where can i get one with out having to go through HD. i like JPCycles.com as i have got alot through them. any one have a part #? Price? and can i change it on my own? i'm sure i'll need a new gasket as well so part #'s would help on that as well.
Bike: HD Sportster 883 worked over to a 1340
Year: 1988
Thanks
Rick C
www.gbscustoms.com
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: charging system question
It's possible on any Harley to set the idle so low that the alternator drops to 12v output. Try raising the idle a little and see if the volts don"t jump up to 13.5v. If you like the Potato/potato idle, just be aware you are probably not charging.
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6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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RE: charging system question
nope it is not charging to the fullest that it should. if i ride around town (Cruising with moderate rpms) with the light on like by law it will be hard to start if at all. if i shut it off then it's is fine. almost like the generators use to do with worn or bad brushes.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
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From: Bellville, Tx
RE: charging system question
You don't say what yr/model you have. The older 22 amp stators may not put out enough if you have a high watt bulb in your headlight. Newer models have a 32 amp stator. Like you say, it just might be a bad stator. Not hard to replace, pull primary cover, remove engine sprocket/pulley, remove rotor(use puller or bolts as handholds), it is magnetic and requires effort to remove. You can then disconnect stator plug and small stator retaining screws and remove stator(might be tough to pull also, press fit).
Reverse order for assembly. A manual would be helpful. Good Luck.
Reverse order for assembly. A manual would be helpful. Good Luck.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
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RE: charging system question
Just last night I was reading in American Iron magazine about the charging system. Explains the theory of operation and how to test. Might be worh looking at. I am not promoting the mag but is was interesting.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 149
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From: N. E. Connecticut
RE: charging system question
Test the voltage regulator before you do the stator job....I'm told that when they go bad they just stop putting out voltage but had one two years ago that put out too low a voltage. Changed that instead of the stator...still charging fine.
Rick C.
Rick C.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
Likes: 5
From: Bellville, Tx
RE: charging system question
The regulator most often fails and allows an overvoltage situation(16+v) which fries batteries. Was not aware that failure could produce too little voltage, that is normally a stator problem.
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 149
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From: N. E. Connecticut
RE: charging system question
Yep...that's exactly how it was explained to me...overvoltage...but somehow ( and I don't pretend to know why) I couldn't get more than 11.5 volts out of mine at any rpm and changing to a new regulator I get up to 14.5...
Rick C.
Rick C.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,306
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From: Bellville, Tx
RE: charging system question
ORIGINAL: cam it!
Yep...that's exactly how it was explained to me...overvoltage...but somehow ( and I don't pretend to know why) I couldn't get more than 11.5 volts out of mine at any rpm and changing to a new regulator I get up to 14.5...
Rick C.
Yep...that's exactly how it was explained to me...overvoltage...but somehow ( and I don't pretend to know why) I couldn't get more than 11.5 volts out of mine at any rpm and changing to a new regulator I get up to 14.5...
Rick C.
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