1st gen reg/rect issues

[dgc67]

Well, I finally have electrical issues.   
Since my new battery the bike has had random issues starting when it is hot.  Initial tests showed good volts.
Yesterday I tested and the volt meter went down slightly on throttle, instead of up.
Went straight to one of the parts bikes and pulled the reg/rect off of it and hooked it up.  After that the meter moved up to 13-14 with throttle.  So I am thinking, "YEA! a parts bike just paid for itself"

Battery was still low so I put it on the charger and went in for awhile, like 2 hours.  At that point it would sluggishly turn over.
When I came back out and unhooked it (showed a full charge but did not put meter on it) the lights came on normal.  Tried to start it and NOTHING.  Well, a click and nothing else.

Pushed it into the garage, said some choice words and called it a night.  I KNOW I don't have to ask, but....

[lragan]

It is quite possible, from the symptoms you describe, that you have a battery problem -- like an poor connection.  Could be in the battery, or the terminals, or possibly somewhere else.  If you measure the full voltage but it won't crank, then a connection somewhere is opening up under load.  Corrosion on the battery terminals will do this.  An internal battery failure can do this.  A loose connection elsewhere in the starting circuit, or a poor starter relay ("solenoid") can also cause it.

I would start by taking the battery terminals loose and examining them.  If they are good and clean, I would have the battery load tested.  If both of these are good, it gets a little more difficult...

[dgc67]

The battery is only a couple of months old and all connections are clean.  I think you are right about it being the battery though.
I checked it this morning and it showed only 11 volts.  I am thinking the bad reg/rect likely killed the battery.  I will take it back and replace it since it is under warranty still.

[dgc67]

got home yesterday and put the charger on for a little while.  It showed a full charge, but when I tried to start the bike it dropped to nothing instantly.  So I guess it was fried.  Went and exchanged it for a new one.  Charged it for 6 hours last night and will give it a try this evening.
Pretty confident it should work though.  Why?  Well, because it is an AWESOME battery!
See?  It is a MAGNA!!!

[lragan]

If I were a betting man, I would bet your problem is solved.  A poor or intermittent connection internal to the battery is not a typical symptom of overcharging.  It isn't clear what causes this phenomenon, but my best guess is shock to the battery -- probably during shipping.  Glad it was in warranty.

The label must surely mean that it is quite powerful...

[dgc67]

When I first charged the bad battery it got hot, so I am sure there was some defect in it to begin with.  I appreciate your input on this for me and do hope it solves the problem.

[hootmon]

Where is the SeaFoam in the picture!!!
The SeaFoam Police..

[MagnaDaddy]

I've got that same battery in my '86 and it's been working well for the last 2 yrs....

[dgc67]

Where is the SeaFoam in the picture!!!
The SeaFoam Police..

It's there!!  I am surprised you missed it.  Look closer. 

[hootmon]

Where is the SeaFoam in the picture!!!
The SeaFoam Police..

It's there!!  I am surprised you missed it.  Look closer. 

NICE

[dgc67]

 
Well, it wasn't the battery.  At least not completely anyway.  I know the battery had to be replaced but the bike still does not turn over.  So, (big sigh) guess I know how I am spending my Saturday.  I will follow all the advice I read on here and start tracking down electrical problems.  I HATE electrical problems.  At least I have another bike sitting here to pull stuff of to test with if need be.
That is the good that has come from this so far.  I can now honestly tell my wife it was worth buying the extra bike.

[MarylandMagnav45]

Where is the SeaFoam in the picture!!!
The SeaFoam Police..

I put seaform in my magna, and it did nothing.  Either my 25 y/o bike is in perfect condition or?

I only put it in the tank though so I won't bad mouth it. 

[dgc67]

I put seaform in my magna, and it did nothing.

After paying, (what was it, $500?), I would hope it did not need to do anything.  At least you can pretty much know they did what they were supposed to.   
The first time I used I noticed a good improvement.  After that, nothing really.  But would still recommend doing it every oil change or so.

[dgc67]

Well, it was my starter.  Pulled one off the parts bike and back in business!

[TLRam1]

Well, it was my starter.  Pulled one off the parts bike and back in business!

It has served you well.  Sure makes it easier to diagnose and isolate a problem.