save an old girl .

[Guest]

Hello everyone, new to forum .I was wondering if you guys could help me. I've tried the search function but I'm on my phone and it won't let me search.

My father in law has a gs 850 . I believe it's an 81. For the last three years his charging system has been getting worse and worse. Last year I got him a stator and regulater for him.
He is still not charging proper. He's tested everything ( he's a old bike mechanic).The bike will charge up to 14v then drop..Also only getting 20v ac at 5000rpm out of stator.
He's at the end of his patients and may look for another bike he loves this bike and rides everyday.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
He's thinking the field magnets are done.
Has anyone heard of this?
P.s. New battery.

[tom203]

"....He's at the end of his patients "

Anyways, take a look here and do/report the Quick Test results.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?p=1272192#post1272192

Once you do this, we will know more- but only if you report results step by step! Charging issues are common on these old critters, usually easy to solve if you approach it patiently!
I doubt the field magnets are bad! connections can be pitifully corroded.

[shovelhead]

That's pointing to bad connectors. Bikes is not with me but i remember from yesterday. It produces good voltage (14v)but as you rev up rpms the voltage drops drastically. But I'm sure he's been over and over each connection repeatedly.

[tom203]

The member (posplayr) behind those stator tests has been on this particular problem for long time- take advantage of his efforts. Your father-in-law might have missed something - happens all the time to me!

[shovelhead]

"Has been on this particular problem for some time" is what I'm explaining a common problem?

[OldVet66]

Connections, plugs, switches, grounds. Everything coated with dielectric grease after cleanup. Any connections that are replaced need to be crimped with the proper tool. The common crimping tools are junk and make poor connections that are often worse than what was replaced. This is just one of many suppliers. Modern waterproof connectors are also worth looking into. Yes this is a very common problem. http://vintageconnections.com/

[JTGS850GL]

This is a very common problem on the Suzi's of this era. Have your father-in-law do the tests as suggested and report back. These are not complicated charging systems and his issues should be pretty easy to track down.

All too often people get caught in the trap of rethinking the same thing and coming up with the same wrong conclusion. Using a step by step trouble shooting reference like what was posted will help this break this loop and identify the real cause of the problem. Just have him follow the procedures and report back the results.

[OldVet66]

A thorough and proper cleanup of the wiring harness throughout the entire bike will eliminate a lot of tail chasing when trying to diagnose problems. I forgot to mention the fuse box. It is another hidden source of problems along with corrosion lurking under large terminals on the larger cables, battery + -, solenoid and starter.

[shovelhead]

I appreciate the advice guys, I'll relay it to him. Connections will be a nice change to check. Must have tested stator, regulator 20 times yesterday.

[chuck hahn]

I may also suggest that you have HIM join up so he can come along in the future...and he will be back looking for answers eventually.

[shovelhead]

He's not online. 64 and not ready to learn the fancy computing machines as he calls them. I'm more then happy information hunt and troubleshoot with him... it's fun.

[tom203]

Well, tempt him;Go here and print out nice color copy of his wiring diagram and hand it to him

http://www.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/80GS850GT_wiring_color-new.png

[shovelhead]

Could I be a victim of a bad ebay stator? I'm only getting 20v ac From the stator at 5000 rpm. I've the the old man the buy a battery. So we will do that then do the tests.

[tkent02]

20V AC measured how? The stator wires alone disconnected from the rest of the motorcycle?

Really don't cut corners, do the whole test.

[shovelhead]

Yes, totally disconnected from the rest of bike.