Charging system replacement questions
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 205
Likes: 75
From: CT
Charging system replacement questions
Hey!
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
So, I have a few questions before I proceed:
Does it make sense to replace the the voltage regulator, stator and rotor all at the same time?
I believe my setup on there is a 2 phase because it has 2 wires coming off the stator, is that correct? If so, can I replace it with a 3 phase system like this one?
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/382...harging-system
How many amps is the stock system? I see aftermarket systems in 32A, 38A, 40A, 50A, etc. I don't need any additional power when I replace these parts but I don't want less.
I'm gonna get after this myself so can anyone tell me if any special tools are needed? Pullers, etc?
Thank you!!
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
So, I have a few questions before I proceed:
Does it make sense to replace the the voltage regulator, stator and rotor all at the same time?
I believe my setup on there is a 2 phase because it has 2 wires coming off the stator, is that correct? If so, can I replace it with a 3 phase system like this one?
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/382...harging-system
How many amps is the stock system? I see aftermarket systems in 32A, 38A, 40A, 50A, etc. I don't need any additional power when I replace these parts but I don't want less.
I'm gonna get after this myself so can anyone tell me if any special tools are needed? Pullers, etc?
Thank you!!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,227
Likes: 417
From: Outer Banks, NC
Hey!
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
Do a search here for all the info you can find on this problem before you dig in. If you're lucky it will be just a VR trade out.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,001
Likes: 6,901
From: NC
Look at cycle electrics for the parts. I've used them when the HD parts failed. They seem more resistant to breaking down in the heat.
As too special tools, you'll need to remove the outer primary, and then the clutch and counter sprockets. Need the ability to lock the two to remove and large sockets.
As too special tools, you'll need to remove the outer primary, and then the clutch and counter sprockets. Need the ability to lock the two to remove and large sockets.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
I am also a fan of Cycle Electric replacement parts.... Their site shows all '97-'98 FLH/FLT took OEM #29987-97 (38 amp) and their part number CE-3845-97... They have a dual amp rating on theirs at 38/48 .... not sure what that means... You could call them.
From their web site:
"Note: When replacing a stator on Evo and Shovel heads compare the plug type to see which system is currently being used. If in doubt replace the complete system as a set. Twin Cam models use the same plug on more than one system so comparing plugs won’t work."
Replacing the stator isn't hard, but it takes some time and effort.... I would strongly suggest getting the Factory Service Manual for your year/model before doing the job...
The trilogy of battery, stator, and voltage regulator are strongly linked and dependent on each other. If one fails, it can affect one or more of the other two. There is no need to replace all three, as each one can be tested to see if it is in good shape. When in doubt, it can't hurt to replace all three, just costs more money and time...
Good luck with your repair...
NOTE: you can get a brand new Service Manual (#99483-98) for your bike for $104.00 from Surdyke HD Online
From their web site:
"Note: When replacing a stator on Evo and Shovel heads compare the plug type to see which system is currently being used. If in doubt replace the complete system as a set. Twin Cam models use the same plug on more than one system so comparing plugs won’t work."
Replacing the stator isn't hard, but it takes some time and effort.... I would strongly suggest getting the Factory Service Manual for your year/model before doing the job...
The trilogy of battery, stator, and voltage regulator are strongly linked and dependent on each other. If one fails, it can affect one or more of the other two. There is no need to replace all three, as each one can be tested to see if it is in good shape. When in doubt, it can't hurt to replace all three, just costs more money and time...
Good luck with your repair...
NOTE: you can get a brand new Service Manual (#99483-98) for your bike for $104.00 from Surdyke HD Online
Last edited by hattitude; Jun 15, 2022 at 08:43 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 205
Likes: 75
From: CT
I am also a fan of Cycle Electric replacement parts.... Their site shows all '97-'98 FLH/FLT took OEM #29987-97 (38 amp) and their part number CE-3845-97... They have a dual amp rating on theirs at 38/48 .... not sure what that means... You could call them.
From their web site:
"Note: When replacing a stator on Evo and Shovel heads compare the plug type to see which system is currently being used. If in doubt replace the complete system as a set. Twin Cam models use the same plug on more than one system so comparing plugs wont work."
Replacing the stator isn't hard, but it takes some time and effort.... I would strongly suggest getting the Factory Service Manual for your year/model before doing the job...
The trilogy of battery, stator, and voltage regulator are strongly linked and dependent on each other. If one fails, it can affect one or more of the other two. There is no need to replace all three, as each one can be tested to see if it is in good shape. When in doubt, it can't hurt to replace all three, just costs more money and time...
Good luck with your repair...
From their web site:
"Note: When replacing a stator on Evo and Shovel heads compare the plug type to see which system is currently being used. If in doubt replace the complete system as a set. Twin Cam models use the same plug on more than one system so comparing plugs wont work."
Replacing the stator isn't hard, but it takes some time and effort.... I would strongly suggest getting the Factory Service Manual for your year/model before doing the job...
The trilogy of battery, stator, and voltage regulator are strongly linked and dependent on each other. If one fails, it can affect one or more of the other two. There is no need to replace all three, as each one can be tested to see if it is in good shape. When in doubt, it can't hurt to replace all three, just costs more money and time...
Good luck with your repair...
Any idea if the 3 phase system is a direct replacement for the 2 phase system if all the components (static, vr and rotor) are replaced at once?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,212
From: San Diego, CA
I believe they are either single phase or 3-phase, but I'm no expert....
I suspect they can, in many cases. The note I quoted from their web page suggests as much.... but that would be a question for someone more knowledgeable than I am about the various charging systems....
You could call Cycle Electric and ask them...
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 426
Likes: 157
From: Lake Wales, Fl
Yes - you replace it all - I put a Cycle Electric 52 amp 3 phase in my 03 Road King - You should replace the stator, rotor and rectifier (regulator) all together anyway
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 203
From: Susanville CA
Hey!
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
So, I have a few questions before I proceed:
Does it make sense to replace the the voltage regulator, stator and rotor all at the same time?
I believe my setup on there is a 2 phase because it has 2 wires coming off the stator, is that correct? If so, can I replace it with a 3 phase system like this one?
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/382...harging-system
How many amps is the stock system? I see aftermarket systems in 32A, 38A, 40A, 50A, etc. I don't need any additional power when I replace these parts but I don't want less.
I'm gonna get after this myself so can anyone tell me if any special tools are needed? Pullers, etc?
Thank you!!
So my 1998 Ultra classic FLHTCUI with 43k miles stopped charging the battery the other day. Luckily I wasn't too far from home and was able to ride it back. After doing some testing I believe the stator isn't working.
With a charged battery at idle it only produces 12.5 (and dropping) volts across the battery terminals.
The stator is only producing a few amps AC at idle and there is no continuity to ground from the stator terminals.
So, I have a few questions before I proceed:
Does it make sense to replace the the voltage regulator, stator and rotor all at the same time?
I believe my setup on there is a 2 phase because it has 2 wires coming off the stator, is that correct? If so, can I replace it with a 3 phase system like this one?
https://www.jpcycles.com/product/382...harging-system
How many amps is the stock system? I see aftermarket systems in 32A, 38A, 40A, 50A, etc. I don't need any additional power when I replace these parts but I don't want less.
I'm gonna get after this myself so can anyone tell me if any special tools are needed? Pullers, etc?
Thank you!!
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Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 205
Likes: 75
From: CT
Ok, thanks everybody!
I love the cycle electric stuff but it was pricey and I can't afford it now. And I want to ride!
So I went with the 40A (I believe my stock setup was 38) compufire kit for around $400.
Do I need to replace my main breaker (for a higher amp unit) or anything related to the fuse box when I install this kit?
I love the cycle electric stuff but it was pricey and I can't afford it now. And I want to ride!
So I went with the 40A (I believe my stock setup was 38) compufire kit for around $400.
Do I need to replace my main breaker (for a higher amp unit) or anything related to the fuse box when I install this kit?