Charging System Puzzle, I have tried everything> Help!

[Anonymous]

Re: 81 GS 850G low charging volts

I have a problem similar to yours I think. My Electrex Voltage regulator began to output about 1 volt lower than the normal 13.8 I usually see. No changes have been made and this VR has about 2000 miles and is 2 years old. My question : Is it possible that some of the components in the VR have failed, thus reducing the output. I checked the stock stator and at 5000 rpm I get about 75 vac between all three legs. VR output + direct batt and Ground to NEG batt.

Zen,
Thanks for the reply. Your descripition is about the same as mine was. But my readings were closer to 1.5 volts off what they should have been.
As you can see from this thread I have been all the way around the block with my charging problems. As my stator seems to have failed the continuity tests that Gremlin (good name!) so kindly posted. Showing the stator to have shorted out windings. It also fails the Electrex test on that score. If I am reading the results correctly. ( Always a IF for me as I am not 100% sure of the different OHMS resistance scales) But as far as I can tell I did show continuity from the stator lega to the engine case. So that must mean shorted??

And I am still getting 80v per leg. I don't know how or why I would be showing 80v per leg with all three legs having shorted out windings? I am waiting for one of the Elec. Guru's to explain that.

Anyway,
I would suggest you try both of the tests of the RR and the continuity test for the stator and post back with your results.

I just ordered a new stator from Ricks. $140 with free shipping. Will be here on Wed. The Electrex was $166 with shipping and coming from the West Coast it would take longer to ship. As I have already been through a Electrex RR and Stator. I will give Ricks a try.

BTW Zen,
Has your OEM stator been replaced also or just the RR?
Thanks,
Charlie

[nabrams]

I'm having a nearly identical problem with a 1980 Honda CB750, except my voltage (at battery) reads 12.15 with the bike not running, 11.5 at 2500 RPM, and 12.0 - 12.1 at 5000 RPM. It's really driving me nuts. I haven't tried disconnecting the various bulbs yet, but I would like to see if it makes any difference. Of course, that still won't solve the problem.
Also, the bike misses at higher RPM. It seems to run smoother when a car battery (car not running) is supplying juice. But I guess that's normal - low power means bad sparking, right?

[Anonymous]

I'm having a nearly identical problem with a 1980 Honda CB750, except my voltage (at battery) reads 12.15 with the bike not running, 11.5 at 2500 RPM, and 12.0 - 12.1 at 5000 RPM. It's really driving me nuts. I haven't tried disconnecting the various bulbs yet, but I would like to see if it makes any difference. Of course, that still won't solve the problem.
Also, the bike misses at higher RPM. It seems to run smoother when a car battery (car not running) is supplying juice. But I guess that's normal - low power means bad sparking, right?

Your battery not running, fully charged should probably read in the 13.25 v. range. So I would check that you have a known to be good fully charged Batt. first.

If you go the the Electrex website (Link on this site) they have a general PDF file Flow chart for charging systems that applies to all makes so it would cover your Honda. I found it a bit confusing to use at first. As I am not electrically inclined. But I am much more comfortable with it now. If you want to give it a go and post back some results. I may be able to help.

Or take a look at some of the tests in this thread and post back your results.

Thanks,
Charlie

[Anonymous]

It is fixed!!

Installed new Rick's Stator and charging problem solved.
Interestingly, the shorted stator was continuing to put out 80v per leg right up to the end. Which had me chasing the RR, thinking that was the problem.

At least all of the connections and wiring of the entire bike have been gone through and made pristine. So it should help ward of future problems.

Thanks to all for there help. And a special thanks to Gremlin who made the winning call on the shorted stator.

Get ready Spring Pa. Ride. Here I come!
Charlie