idle for 60 seconds, then dies - idle fixed

[Privateer]

couple days ago, bike did not want to start without the fast idle open all the way.

when it would idle, it would idle around 1,000, for about 60 seconds, then die.

reminded me of a bad regulator, but my new one only has ~5,000 miles on it.

busted out my multimeter
key off at batt - 13.24v
key on at batt - 12.9v
idle, 1000rpm - 13.24-13.49

seemed ok but same deal with needing the fast idle open all the way.  shut it off to check the connector between the stator and the regulator, and when i pulled on the stator end, the whole connector just crumbled apart.


so yeah, that's not good.  I suppose I need to fix this before I can troubleshoot further.  I know some people have said to just solder the wires, but a soldering iron is one of things I don't have.  what kind of connector is best for this 3 wire deal?


thanks.

[BK_856er]

That connector causes all kinds of grief, either because it gets melty from the high current and corroded connections, or hard and brittle with time/heat.  Not even sealed.

Here's a potential source for options:

http://www.cycleterminal.com/motorcycle-connectors.html

I'd use the opportunity to install a weather sealed connector.  Be aware that making quality gas-tight connections to the terminals is no simple task without the right crimper.

BK

[Howie]

   Also replace any overheated wire.  Eliminating the connector works, but makes future diagnosis difficult.

[Privateer]

what size are the wires to/from the rectifier?  anyone know?

[BK_856er]

what size are the wires to/from the rectifier?  anyone know?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_wire_gauge

BK

[Privateer]

well i finally had time to spend time and mental energy on this.
I couldn't find a connector locally so I just butt spliced the wires together for a temporary fix to ensure the connector was the problem.

bike fired right up, idled as good as it normally does.  idled fine for 4-5 minutes, ran it up and down the street and seemed OK.  I have one more store to look for a connector before I resort to ordering online.

still need to fix the lean condition, but at least it's running again.

[Speeddog]

I may have a good connector, will check.

Got the electronics to richen it too.

[Privateer]

I got one of these, and all the needed pins and seals, from the local electronics house.  Anyone ever used this or similar?



apparently there's a special crimping tool for the pins that I'd rather not buy if i can just use a normal crimper.  Anyone have experience with this or similar?

[BK_856er]

That's a weathertight connector and the type Ducati should have used.  Should be a very high amp rating.

The proper crimper will produce what's known as a "gas tight" connection that is mostly impervious to corrosion and future problems.  You'll have to do the best you can in the absence of the proper crimper.

You can crimp it with the tools at hand and even add a bit of solder if possible, but not so much that the pins can no longer properly engage the plastic connector body.  As Howie already said, cut back to good clean copper.

What probably won't work well, at least for the long term, is just squishing the wires on there with some needle nose pliers and calling it good!

Just my $0.02....

BK

[Privateer]

That's a weathertight connector and the type Ducati should have used.  Should be a very high amp rating.

The proper crimper will produce what's known as a "gas tight" connection that is mostly impervious to corrosion and future problems.  You'll have to do the best you can in the absence of the proper crimper.

You can crimp it with the tools at hand and even add a bit of solder if possible, but not so much that the pins can no longer properly engage the plastic connector body.  As Howie already said, cut back to good clean copper.

What probably won't work well, at least for the long term, is just squishing the wires on there with some needle nose pliers and calling it good!

Just my $0.02....

BK

thanks.  I have a basic crimper, but not a stake crimper.  I didn't want to go buy something I'm rarely going to use if I could avoid it.  I'll see if I can borrow one.

[BK_856er]

I tried to look it up and I can't tell - what is the amp rating of that connector/pins?  If it's not listed on the packaging I'd try to find out from the manufacturer.  The R/R circuit is high current and you want something suitable for the application.  My remark above about "should be suitable" was more a question than a statement...

BK

[Privateer]

well the low-rough idle, decel pop, throttle surge problem was solved




Thanks Nick!

[Privateer]

I tried to look it up and I can't tell - what is the amp rating of that connector/pins?  If it's not listed on the packaging I'd try to find out from the manufacturer.  The R/R circuit is high current and you want something suitable for the application.  My remark above about "should be suitable" was more a question than a statement...

BK

oh, i see what you're saying now.  Yeah, i'm not sure what the rating is, but I haven't installed it yet so I'll check before doing so.  I hope I have the receipt....