Main Fuse blows when I turn off lights

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I have noticed something interesting, I have a 1981 GS550 and when I turn off my lights the main fuse blows shortly after. Initially I thought it was a coincidence but it happened again as I was checking my charging system. The unless I keep the headlights on, the fuse would blow after 5 minutes of idle. Fuse box was hot too. This sounds a little strange to me. ANy ideas?

Also I've noticed a slight clicking noise while i'm riding the bike. Seems to be coming from below the tank or maybe lower. When I"m going high speeds I hear occasionaly clicks, and sometimes they occur more often. They don't seem to occur at a stop. I don't remember hearing this during the beginning of the season. Bike ran fine, just the clicking is getting more noticeable. Also I did notice that the clicking turned up about the time my main fuse started blowing. I'd appreciate any input.

-skm

[Poot]

okay, I've had some run-in with this blowout problem (riding in the dark....weee...) and you should check , or get these things checked out:

1: Make sure the fuses are the correct amperage... voltage isnt important, but amperage has to be right!

2: Check for loose connections in the headlight housing

3: Check for shorts in the wiring. This may take time and effort!


Just as an excercise, take the side cover off, so you can see your fuse, and keep it running in idle, and see exactly what happens when it goes.


I know that there was a short in my headlight housing , and water and the elements made things worse.


POOt

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the response. I checked the wires and found no short but I did find a loose ground wire on my turn signal. I fixed that up and cleaned all contacts including the fuse contacts. As it turns out my nice Electrex RR went out in less than a year! It wasn't charging at all. At least it's under warranty. They said they would take it back and give a replacement after assessing it. I had an old RR laying around and decided to try it out while I wait for the new one. Seems that did the trick. System charges fine and no more fuse blowing at all. Thanks for the suggestions.

skm

[gremlin]

you need to change one wire that runs the R/R thru the head light. If i rember righ its in tech tips or stator papers. also run a ground wire strate from the ground side of the battery to the R/R.

[earlfor]

Re: Main Fuse blows when I turn off lights

A hot fusebox is the sign. There is your problem. You have a shorted and probably internally corroded fusebox. Temove it from the bike, open the back and clean all the internal connections that supply the fuseholders. On the back of the black plastic box, you will see a small slot on the reat panel.
Pop the back of with a screwdriver and look inside. I expect you will see a mess of electrolysis and corrosion goo.

Earl


[quote="skm"]Hi all,
The unless I keep the headlights on, the fuse would blow after 5 minutes of idle. Fuse box was hot too. This sounds a little strange to me. ANy ideas?