Morning - Introduction & a problem of course - charging syst

[pie656]

Hi all.
I've been lurking on here for a few months & finally registered.
If anyone can help me I'd appreciate it
I've got a RVF400 P reg which I'm currently rebuilding as I was hit & runned on it a few months back (second time out on it !)
Before I started rebuilding it I knew it had a overheating problem - Hopefully I'll sort this once it's running properly.
Whilst rebuilding it I took it for a test ride & after about 20-30 minutes rolled to a dead stop ( flat battery ) luckily a short push to the house - charged battery & started - charging 9 volts - checked regulator - just sat there with no bolts & looks like it was arcing out to the frame as there's a burn type mark on the rear of it.
Swapped the regulator for the one off my CBR & charging 12 volts - Was in a rush so didn't check it fully ! ! !
Half hour or so later - same thing - do proper check this time with battery recharged - the charging rate is 9 - 15 volts & as you rev the bike it increases proportionaly & doesn't stay steady or have a base charge rate ? So I'm suspecting regulator again !
I've just fitted a GSXR rectifier & It's the same - I've got an alternator windings pack ready to go in, I'm hoping someone on here has had the same problem & can help before I start stripping.
I've searched on here but can't find anything similar & I'm unsure how these work fully, I thought the charge rate should be 12 - 14 volts steady but as I've replaced the regulator twice I'm hoping that's good now - but can't see how the alternator could bypass it to give a fluctuating voltage ?
As soon as I get chance I'll post some pics as I go along, no doubt I'll be back with other problems.
Many thanks in advance
Peter.

[The Hamster]

It sounds to me like the common Regulator/Rectifrier problem, and would of thought that fitting all manner of other rectifiers hasnt helped you out matey.



I would say, for piece of mind your looking at a new battery and new (Honda Standard/Pattern RVF400) regulator/rectifier. Check all the connections on the charging system for any faults and problems and rectify any you find. Check all earthing points to make sure there are no problems there and good clean contact is bieng made. Also, just check your wiring a little bit as it has been known for wires to be routed incorrectly and wear through due to vibrations of the engine and the frame etc..

Then, re-fit your new parts, the battery bieng fully charged of course, and then run the Charging tests as stated in the workshop manual.
A copy of this can be found here:

http://www.akhara.com/nc30/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


I would of thought this would fix your problem.

At least then you also know that you have new parts fitted that should last a good while.

[pie656]

Hi Hamster
Thanks for your reply
The cbr regulator was fitted to get me home as I was where I keep my cbr when it died.
The battery is new & checks out good with a midtronics
The GSXR regulator was fitted as I had already bought it to be fitted, from reading on here I know it's a weak spot
I'm just stumped by the way the voltage rises & falls with the revs as I'm guessing that the regulator on these works like a normal one & should stabilise it so it doesn't drop below 12 or go over 13-14ish which is what points me to the alternator ( please tell me if I'm wrong ) & thinking maybe it's not putting enough out to maintain the regulator. As both the regulator off my cbr & the GSXR ones are known to be good.
Thanks for the kick I needed to check the wiring & pull it to bits ( going out in 5 mins to start )
I'll update in a bit
Cheers
Peter

[pie656]

Jobs just done
All earths, connectors etc checked & WD40'd
Reconnect idle adjuster as left unconnected by workshop
fit new footrest
Re-route choke cable as very stiff
Tomorrow I'll reconnect the fuel tank & see if there's any improvement
If not I'll be back
If I can figure out how to post a pic I'll start putting some on
Peter

[pie656]

Hi all
Well, Ordered a new windings pack
Ordered all the gaskets & puller for the Rotor from Rick Oliver ( Fantastic Service - Cheers Rick ) & front wheel bearings & oil filter etc.
Finally got 10 minutes without rain & no other jobs so fitted the new windings - getting the rotor off was the hard part - a friend has got a tool which will hold the rotor if it helps anyone out ?
Is now charging at 12.7 - 14.4 Volts - this is with the GSXR regulator mod so worthwhile doing - I just need to tidy the wiring up for it, I wasn't 100% sure it was the alternator as the charge voltage was fluctuating from 9 - 15volts with no base charge voltage - the only thing I can guess at is maybe the old winding weren't putting a steady voltage out for long enough to trip the regulator into operation ?
Jobs to do still - have flushed out the radiators & cooling system, stripped & cleaned the fan-hopefully this will cure the overheating, the fan never used to cut in - so will have to wait
Modify the exhaust can hanger as it fouls on the can
Repair the end of the brake lever ( were nice new pazzo's till knocked off )
Finish repairing bodywork & spray - had done some of it already in astro black metallic, Am now changing it to Mini red !
Have also ordered a Mogan Carbtune so will strip & clean the carbs & balance them if it stops raining for long enough !
And if someone can tell me how I'll post up some progress pics.
Cheers
Peter.