I bought this 88 sportster 1200 that i was told stop running one day, the electronic ignition sensor was blown out, I replaced with a dynatek igniton sensor, I have put a new battery in it. after getting a new battery and finally riding i found it the battery is not charging. While running the battery stays the same voltage. I have tested the stator lead connector and am getting a low reading of 13 AC volts around 1500 RPM and it does increase with engine speed to over 20-25 AC volts, from what I read this is a low reading and should be from 14-20 AC volts per 1000 RPM. I have disconnected the Regulator and found the back with the epoxy was cracked and a big burn mark in it. I have replaced the Regulator now and make sure all connections to battery, regulator and main circuit breaker are clean and tight still not charging. I assume the previous owner had a problem and maybe the whole bike was fried? although it did start and run after replacing igniton sensor and battery. does anybody know what I should be looking for now? I would think that even if the stator is putting out AC volts and with a new regulator and verified battery is good that i should get a charge? Thanks for input

 

Stevie, if you haven't found it yet we have a Tech Electrical section, where you will find a couple of Stickies on how to test your charging system. You will need a multimeter, but they may help you identify the source of the problem, or at least narrow it down. The factory service manual FSM should also have a test process, although that can be a bit complicated!

 

I have disconnected the Regulator and found the back with the epoxy was cracked and a big burn mark in it. I have replaced the Regulator now and make sure all connections to battery,

Trouble is the stator is probably now cooked too from either a bad battery or failed regulator/rectifier unit

 

Use those stickies I referred to, they will help you identify if your stator is OK or not. Stickies are created to help members in just this circumstance - make good use of 'em!