Voltage regulator - constant output?
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 654
Likes: 11
Voltage regulator - constant output?
Good day, Riders.
While out riding this past week-end got a service engine light and battery warning light come on for the first time. A new HD battery was just installed.
Then noticed that the charging voltage varied from 12.5v at idle to 14.75 volts at 2500 rpm.
Shouldn't the output for the regulator be constant at 14.5V?
The manual says nothing about voltage o/p off the regulator.
The bike is a 2006 FLHTCUSE.
Thanks
Ride In Peace
While out riding this past week-end got a service engine light and battery warning light come on for the first time. A new HD battery was just installed.
Then noticed that the charging voltage varied from 12.5v at idle to 14.75 volts at 2500 rpm.
Shouldn't the output for the regulator be constant at 14.5V?
The manual says nothing about voltage o/p off the regulator.
The bike is a 2006 FLHTCUSE.
Thanks
Ride In Peace
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
The job of the voltage regulator is to convert AC current to DC current, and provide constant output. I wouldn't assume the volt regulator is bad just from the undependable volt gauge. You can't really test the voltage regulator, but you can test the stator that goes into the volt regulator, and also test the volts and amps at the battery.
If you got 6 years out of a voltage regulator, that's a heck of a lot better than I have ever done.
If you got 6 years out of a voltage regulator, that's a heck of a lot better than I have ever done.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,364
Likes: 33
From: So Cal The Golden State
The job of the voltage regulator is to convert AC current to DC current, and provide constant output. I wouldn't assume the volt regulator is bad just from the undependable volt gauge. You can't really test the voltage regulator, but you can test the stator that goes into the volt regulator, and also test the volts and amps at the battery.
If you got 6 years out of a voltage regulator, that's a heck of a lot better than I have ever done.
If you got 6 years out of a voltage regulator, that's a heck of a lot better than I have ever done.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
No.
At idle and low rpms, the stator is making about 16~20 Volts AC, ( in general a HD charging system will make 16 to 20 volts AC per 1000 rpms) as it is converted or rectified to DC the voltage drops.
I think you are seeing normal readings.
most common regulator fault is allowing over volt ( more than 15 VDC) to the battery, which will burn it out
regulators work by shedding excess power as heat, if they cannot easily exchange heat ( like a chrome cover!) they can burn up.
A dead battery or open//shorted wiring can also over stress the charging system, sometimes taking out the reg and/or stator
---------------
the regulator in most cars is incorporated into the alternator- which has built in cooling fan, that is why they last longer.
I have all original Delcos in my 60's and 70's Caddys and Chevys.
i had one go in my '77 MK V once
Mike
At idle and low rpms, the stator is making about 16~20 Volts AC, ( in general a HD charging system will make 16 to 20 volts AC per 1000 rpms) as it is converted or rectified to DC the voltage drops.
I think you are seeing normal readings.
most common regulator fault is allowing over volt ( more than 15 VDC) to the battery, which will burn it out
regulators work by shedding excess power as heat, if they cannot easily exchange heat ( like a chrome cover!) they can burn up.
A dead battery or open//shorted wiring can also over stress the charging system, sometimes taking out the reg and/or stator
---------------
the regulator in most cars is incorporated into the alternator- which has built in cooling fan, that is why they last longer.
I have all original Delcos in my 60's and 70's Caddys and Chevys.
i had one go in my '77 MK V once
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 21, 2012 at 09:47 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
It sounds like your charging system is working properly, you may however want to do a load test on the battery. It may be on it's way out and causing the voltage drop at idle.
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