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Post by tom93gts on May 4, 2010 16:34:23 GMT -5
My battery seems to be dead after every ride now. I recharge to full, take it out for 30 minutes or so and get home with dead battery. When running the generator/alternator seems to make enough power to run the lights... Wonder if my battery is just in need of replacement or if there is somehow a charging circuit separate from whatever runs the lights. Should I just pull the battery and get it tested?
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Post by Jess on May 4, 2010 19:15:22 GMT -5
Almost always the recitfier...
Just a guess... We stock em...
Best,
Jess
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Post by tom93gts on May 5, 2010 11:58:07 GMT -5
Cool, I will check it out. I have a couple other small parts I need to order as well so should be getting an order ready soon!
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Post by tom93gts on Sept 1, 2010 15:30:52 GMT -5
Finally got around to getting a new rectifier and just received it in the mail yesterday. Now to find time to install it. Thanks Jess!
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sam
1st Gear
Posts: 16
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Post by sam on Sept 5, 2010 6:31:07 GMT -5
I too am having a bit of trouble with the battery not charging. At idle the battery reads 12.5V but at 3500RPM I get a reading of only 12.9V which I dont think is enough to sustain the battery, surely it should be nearer 14V. The battery needs charging after a couple of outings or so.
I've tested the rectifier both directions (to earth & to battery) which seems fine with about 640 ohms in one direction & zero in the other on all poles.
Next I tested the stator windings doing a load lest (as in the Original RE5 workshop manual - page 88). With a direct link from the +12V battery terminal to the orange/white wire (I believe this bypasses the load resistor in the regulator) I tested the output of each of the windings and got readings of 14V @ 1500RPM, 17V @ 2000RPM & 19V @ 2500RPM, the manual specifies 24V, 34V & 40V for the same RPM. I also did an ohm test between the coils and got about 2 or 3 ohms reading between all, the manual specifies 5 ohms.
This leads to believe the stator has had it and needs replacing. Before I order a replacement just wondering if you guys have any thoughts of this matter, has anyone had any problems with the stator or have I missed something.
Thanks in advance.....
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Post by Jess on Sept 5, 2010 10:33:40 GMT -5
Sounds like the regulator to me...
Best,
Jess
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sam
1st Gear
Posts: 16
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Post by sam on Sept 5, 2010 13:16:06 GMT -5
Even though the output voltages fall short of what the manual specifies do you suspect the rectifier. Can anyone confirm what voltages the stator Should actually produce?
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Post by Jess on Sept 5, 2010 23:00:10 GMT -5
We may not be communicating well... I suspect the regulator. In your follow up post, you state, Even though the output voltages fall short of what the manual specifies do you suspect the rectifier.In all my posts to you, I said that it sounded like a regulator issue, not rectifier. (I thought Tom's problem was a rectifier) In my experience... generally speaking... Typically... when the rectifier fails, there is no voltage returning to the accumulator. The stator is very robust... they very rarely fail. When they do fail, they tend to fail completely... (ie, no voltage) Again, typically... when charge/return voltage is low/high/erratic, my first suspect is a failing regulator. Again, just my opinion... Good luck with it. Regards, Jess
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sam
1st Gear
Posts: 16
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Post by sam on Sept 6, 2010 4:10:56 GMT -5
I take when you say accumulator you mean the coil mounted within the stator.
I understand what you say about the regulator not returning a voltage to the accumulator causing a low voltage output from the stator, but I've placed a jumper wire from the battery to the accumulator (orange/white wire) bypassing the regulator ensuring maximum voltage to it, even without the jumper the voltage (on the orange/white wire) reads only a volt lower than across the battery (about 12.5V @ the battery). I still get much lower voltage readings from the stator than expected. After what you say I think the next step I should take is check the continuity of the accumulator as maybe this could be the cause of the lower than expected output.
I'm just trying to cover all bases before committing myself to purchasing parts that may be unnecessary.
All the best Sam
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Post by Jess on Sept 6, 2010 9:05:23 GMT -5
Sam,
The accumulator is also known as a battery, I was not referring to the center coil of the stator.
I'm going to stop now as I seem to just be making the matter more confusing...Sorry.
Best,
Jess
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Post by shavron on Sept 6, 2010 21:00:21 GMT -5
I think Jess is right. If you're getting more than 14 volts out (input to regulator) the regulator should regulate the voltage to around 14 volts.
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sam
1st Gear
Posts: 16
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Post by sam on Sept 7, 2010 9:08:22 GMT -5
Many thanks for your patience, might just have to bite the bullet and purchase a regulator.
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Post by maleric on Sept 8, 2010 15:09:22 GMT -5
I've trouble-shot some charging problems in the past, and in most cases, it was a bad battery!!
Lead/acid batteries can be ruined from any number of things including temp changes, level of charge, and in some cases, the initial charge will determine the life of the battery. The slightest contaminate in the acid can foul them up, too.
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sam
1st Gear
Posts: 16
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Post by sam on Sept 9, 2010 12:03:01 GMT -5
Opened up the regulator as per Suzuki service manual, cleaned the contacts with a nail file, adjusted the armature and hey presto the battery is now charging showing a healthy 14.4 V @ 3000RPM.
Have to say Jess is the man, he was right all along.
We are not worthy we are not worthy!
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gbcastro
1st Gear
Cascais, Portugal
Posts: 20
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Post by gbcastro on Jun 7, 2018 14:47:48 GMT -5
Please help, i have an important event of classic bikes next weekend, all booked. I had several problems with starter clutch, now the battery is not charging, and rev counter stopped working (im not sure if the simultaneously). All the other electrics seem fine. I have an AGM battery fitted, very strong. At idle I measure and needle goes to 12 v, i can rev to about 4000, but needle does not move. I measured the output of the windings, and at idle i get 6 v... and at 4000 i barely get 12v ! After Reading these threads, i removed the regulator, although looked very good inside, i cleaned and sanded slightly the points / contacts. No change! Shall i next check the rectifier or change the alternator? I have a spare alternator on another old engine, but i don't have another rectifier. Please help, the RE5s are very rare in Portugal and we need to get some respect from the GT750s clan attending Caramulo Endurance Ride.
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