Battery charging

2908 Views 20 Replies 4 Participants Last post by madhatter4119, Feb 19, 2015

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · Feb 6, 2015

Hi guys got a night mare here. Battery not charging checked reg/rect it is shot only 1 terminal has continuity so new one on order. Checked stator output nothing on either of the three leads when engine running , so stator has blown. New one here just ordered new gasket for alternator. My question is can I fit the new stator without removing the engine if so what do I need to loosen to be able to get the alternator cover off. My VN is a 1996 VN1500 Classic D1. Thanks in advance Danny. Little annoyed just purchased the bike as a toy for myself with Minot tinkering didn't expect major nightmare when I got home. Previouse owner used a trickle charger and never went any distance he is paying for the new parts so I think he was just unaware!!

1 - 20 of 21 Posts

madhatter4119

· #2 · Feb 7, 2015

I wouldn't think you would have to pull the engine...Once you drain the oil and left front
foot peg and shifter...remove the side cover...you will see the cover that needs to be removed to access your stator...In fact, if you can find a way to safely lay your bike over
on its right side...you won't need to drain your oil...there won't be any oil issue when you remove the first cover...your clutch master cylinder is behind this cover also...good luck...

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 7, 2015

Hi madhatter,
Thank you for the reply, I have looked under the cover and there is an alan bolt that is at the lower front of the casing it is behind the frame. I have seen other posts saying that with a wiggle and a jack you can get it clear but just can't see/ don't know what I would need to loosen to get enough moment.

sfair

· #4 · Feb 7, 2015

Motor mounts and exhaust would be the main items.

sfair

· #5 · Feb 7, 2015

As an add, did you check the stator loaded or unloaded? Where did you connect your meter and what range did you use?
It is unusual for it to output zero, nothing, nada....

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 7, 2015

Sfair checked it loaded connected at the connection under the fake cover. Checked between phases with engine running and increased throttle, tried all options between each phase. setting was to volts a/c. not a thing it would appear it has been dead for a while and people have passed this bike on without conducting fault finding. and settled for a trickle charger and short journeys. What about the drive shaft or does that have enough flex?

Gene Horr

· #7 · Feb 7, 2015

Assuming that it is a similar design to automotive 3 phase alternators then it is pretty strange that none of the phases are producing any voltage. Usually this is a sign of a voltage regulator problem. If there is no voltage to energize the field then nothing is going to happen.

Did you test the output of the voltage regulator?

sfair

· #8 · Feb 8, 2015 (Edited)

Unplug the reg/rect. from the stator and retest stator output between all three yellow wires in turn with each other.

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 8, 2015

Gene Horr. Checked voltage reg that's fried new one on order.

Sfair Will do that tomorrow. I did test tha stator between the phases with it disconnected at the three way p,ug under the cover. Will test again tomorrow after unplugging regulator.

Thanks guys your input is well received, and whilst it is a problem the battery not charging it has meant I am covering every inch of this bike so have a good understanding of many other areas as well. And to be honest it can only be one of three components reg/rect, stator or the magneto flywheel. Don't want to shotgun and replace all but testing is the way ahead.

madhatter4119

· #10 · Feb 8, 2015

Makes sense to me...stay with it...your getting good help...good luck

sfair

· #11 · Feb 8, 2015

Gene Horr said:
Assuming that it is a similar design to automotive 3 phase alternators ?

They are both 3 phase, but that is where the similarity ends.

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #12 · Feb 9, 2015

Hi guys. Thanks Sfair rechecked Stator and pushed leads in properly Stator is fine. Checked regulator its fried so just waiting on new Regulator Glad you got me to check again, Saved myself lots of work replacing Stator. Now have a spare Stator for some time in the future!!!
Found a couple of twisted wires which go to light bar, so have put proper connectors on them so overall a complete electric health check. Thanks all for your help much appreciated.

madhatter4119

· #13 · Feb 9, 2015

After you have the R/R installed...Post a reading at the battery...if your meter get's
higher when you give it some throttle...your charging system is working and ready for a
Long ride...enjoy

Gene Horr

· #14 · Feb 9, 2015

sfair said:
They are both 3 phase, but that is where the similarity ends.

Permanent magnet? Or something else? If a perm mag then my understanding the concept is almost the same except the voltage regulator dampens the output (shorts through a resistor to ground or something like that) as opposed to adjusting the exciter field.

sfair

· #15 · Feb 9, 2015

Gene Horr said:
Permanent magnet? Or something else? If a perm mag then my understanding the concept is almost the same except the voltage regulator dampens the output (shorts through a resistor to ground or something like that) as opposed to adjusting the exciter field.

Yes, most (not all) motorcycles use a permanent magnet shunt regulated alternator.

Gene Horr

· #16 · Feb 12, 2015

Gotcha. Thanks for the info. Yeah, in that case the VR would have nothing to do with whether the alternator is producing power. You would always get AC voltage between any of the three phases if the alternator itself is working.

sfair

· #17 · Feb 12, 2015

The stator always outputs maximum power at 14v at the rpm it is turning.
That is why when some people say they will install LED lights to reduce stator load, it does not do so. In fact, it will increase reg/rect load.

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #18 · Feb 12, 2015

sfair said:
The stator always outputs maximum power at 14v at the rpm it is turning.
That is why when some people say they will install LED lights to reduce stator load, it does not do so. In fact, it will increase reg/rect load.

Could that be what fried my reg/rect as the previous owner has installed an LED Headlight?

sfair

· #19 · Feb 12, 2015

It is possible. If the electrical load is reduced, the reg/rect must sync the extra power and that means more heat. But it is impossible to say for sure.

Daninfrance

Discussion Starter · #20 · Feb 18, 2015

Hi Gents
Thank You for your help New Reg/Rect installed working perfectly. I don't think that it was the LED headlight after giving it some thought on a 1500a it is sited behind the lower Chrome cover which in turn is fitted to a chrome plate. This reduces the airflow which will then limit the life of the Reg/Rect by not allowing for sufficient cooling. It will appear to be a thing that I will have to monitor. Your comments and advice were greatly appreciated. Again Thank You.

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