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Okay folks, check out this link first to see where this all started.
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Here's a pic of the General & his "custom" GS400.
I met up with the General today to try to get his scooter running. From the original thread it sounded like the initial problem was electrical. He wasn't charging the battery. Logically, if the electrical system is weak, so too would the spark. We decided to start here.
Armed with a digital volt meter & a copy of the Stator Papers, we confirmed the charging system was faulty. Less than 12VDC with the motor running. To make a long story short, I got down to the step where it is recommended to check the black/white wire from the RR to ground (his '78 has a seperate regulator & rectifier). There is a hint to look for rubber mountings for these components, which would not be an appropriate ground. Well there was no rubber. Both parts (and their ground wires) were securely attached to the battery box...
Okay, were you faster than me? It took me a while to realize that the battery box itself is rubber mounted to the frame, and therefore not a good ground. After I finished head-butting the shed door, I felt much better about what I discovered. We removed the black/white wires and ran a jumper to the frame ground. Sure as shootin', she's now charging the battery. Not the best readings, but a vast improvement. 13.2VDC at 2500 rpm, & 13.8VDC at 5000rpm. This bike has had many splices & shaky repairs done to the wiring, and it would be best to do a proper re-wiring.
Just about this time my buddy Ken (Jadesystem) showed up on his GS1150 to "supervise" the operation. We couldn't have done it without him!
Oh yeah, more pics. Tom MLC & the General after successful troubleshooting.
Finishing up some wire repairs. What's that in the background? A GS invasion?
I wanted to move on to the carbs but, she was running very nicely. And I couldn't get the philips screws out to hook up the sync gages. No impact tool handy. We'll have to tackle that challenge later. In the mean time, how 'bout a road test?
Look at that smile! Just about says it all, eh? Ken (Jadesystem) in the background.
Oh man! This is a cool hot rod!
Nothin' like a good running bike to put a smile on your face! She still needs lots of work tho'. The chain is stretched and the sprockets are worn. Front forks are leaking, and the bike wants to pull to the right. We can roll up our sleeves and hit these challenges together.
I'm glad I could help a young brother get his bike running. Made a good friend, too. All because of a common interest in these old GS'es.
Here's a pic of the General & his "custom" GS400.
I met up with the General today to try to get his scooter running. From the original thread it sounded like the initial problem was electrical. He wasn't charging the battery. Logically, if the electrical system is weak, so too would the spark. We decided to start here.
Armed with a digital volt meter & a copy of the Stator Papers, we confirmed the charging system was faulty. Less than 12VDC with the motor running. To make a long story short, I got down to the step where it is recommended to check the black/white wire from the RR to ground (his '78 has a seperate regulator & rectifier). There is a hint to look for rubber mountings for these components, which would not be an appropriate ground. Well there was no rubber. Both parts (and their ground wires) were securely attached to the battery box...
Okay, were you faster than me? It took me a while to realize that the battery box itself is rubber mounted to the frame, and therefore not a good ground. After I finished head-butting the shed door, I felt much better about what I discovered. We removed the black/white wires and ran a jumper to the frame ground. Sure as shootin', she's now charging the battery. Not the best readings, but a vast improvement. 13.2VDC at 2500 rpm, & 13.8VDC at 5000rpm. This bike has had many splices & shaky repairs done to the wiring, and it would be best to do a proper re-wiring.
Just about this time my buddy Ken (Jadesystem) showed up on his GS1150 to "supervise" the operation. We couldn't have done it without him!
Oh yeah, more pics. Tom MLC & the General after successful troubleshooting.
Finishing up some wire repairs. What's that in the background? A GS invasion?
I wanted to move on to the carbs but, she was running very nicely. And I couldn't get the philips screws out to hook up the sync gages. No impact tool handy. We'll have to tackle that challenge later. In the mean time, how 'bout a road test?
Look at that smile! Just about says it all, eh? Ken (Jadesystem) in the background.
Oh man! This is a cool hot rod!
Nothin' like a good running bike to put a smile on your face! She still needs lots of work tho'. The chain is stretched and the sprockets are worn. Front forks are leaking, and the bike wants to pull to the right. We can roll up our sleeves and hit these challenges together.
I'm glad I could help a young brother get his bike running. Made a good friend, too. All because of a common interest in these old GS'es.
Thanks Bruce. (I guess you got the check ;-) )
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