Question about voltage

[Peteortiz11]

Hello!! im wondering why my volt meter only registers approx. 9-10 volts and no more. Even after a good long ride and while idling; only 9-10 volts! I switched out my R/R and just wondering if I may need to switch out the stator as well. any thoughts? as always, thank you!

 

[Nessism]

Right at the top of this subforum there is a pinned thread detailing how to test your charging system. You may want to go through the various steps and if you don't understand at that point what the problem is, post up all the data and someone will tell you what to do next.

 

[Redman]

If battery was actually 9-10 volts you would be experiencing other symptoms like slow cranking, turn signals slow and before too much longer maybe dead on side of the road.

lests review how you have your meter set up.

dc volts (the line and dash lines , not the ~)

 

[TxGSrider]

You might try another meter?
If it was only showing 9-10 volts running with the battery connected, it probably wouldn't turn the starter (if you have an electric starter), and your headlight would be awful dim.

 

[Peteortiz11]

Thx gents! it does crank slowly, slow to no signals (until it starts), if left too many days without starting; wont start

 

[Redman]

If signals blink better after it starts, then charging system is work at least some. (but dont know how well).

(is intersting that you can report the operation of the signals when it is not running.)

But, yeah, slow signals are a symptom of low voltage, and is often someones firts indication (no pun intended) of a charging problem. Next indication is slow cranking, and next indication is stalling at a stop and then not starting.

FInd the "quick check" and report here. Lots of folks willing to help (and most know what they are talking about).

 

[Peteortiz11]

So do you think I should replace the stator? after all, its 30y/o

 

[posplayr]

So do you think I should replace the stator? after all, its 30y/o

I think you should get and use a voltmeters !

 

[Peteortiz11]

My initial thread said "my volt meter only registers approx. 9-10 volts" so clearly I'm using a voltmeter, but thx

 

[posplayr]

My initial thread said "my volt meter only registers approx. 9-10 volts" so clearly I'm using a voltmeter, but thx

9V Sounds broke especially if the bike will even crank and run. Check it on a good car battery or some other source? Do the quick test to see if you come up with anything reasonable.

 

[Cipher]

hey maybe a new battery in your voltmeter? Is it a analog type with a crappy small scale thats a PITA to read?

Follow the guide on charging system testing and post the data.

 

[Steve]

The first thing I would do is to validate the voltmeter.

Is this a hand-held unit or something mounted to the bike?
(The validation procedure would be a bit different for each type.)

A hand-held meter would be easiest. Put the leads directly on the battery, see if the numbers are any better. If they are about the same, check the voltage on your car. If they still read 9-10 volts, your meter is at fault. If it reads 12+, start the car, see if it goes to about 14. If it does, you know the car is good and the meter is good.

Back to the bike. If the battery is, indeed, showing only 9-10 volts, charge the battery. Hopefully you have an appropriately-sized charger, one with about a 2 amp maximum. If it's a MANUAL charger, let it charge for about 6 hours. If it's an AUTOMATIC charger, let it charge overnight, but not more than 24 hours. Disconnect the charger, check the voltage. Let the battery sit for a couple hours, check the voltage again.

Let us know what you find.

.

 

[Peteortiz11]

Thanks all! much appreciated. i'll conduct all test and get back