Charging problem

[beethoven]

Chris
To measure voltage you need to measure across each phase. Ie AB,AC,BC. (One lead to A and one lead to B, etc not to ground). I have same 3 phase system and measured 55 v across each at moderate revs (no tachometer). Using Electrosport fault diagnosis greater than 50v AC is ok and all 3 should be similar.
Hope this helps.

[ChrisK]

Okay, testing the voltage the way Beethoven suggested got me up over 50 volts on all three combinations. Where am I at now?

[Howie]

Chris, in my last response I got two things wrong because I did not re-read the whole thread.  First, I suggested another meter because what I thought were wonky readings were readings in another thread Sorry! I also did not remember your stator output results. Re-check following beethoven's method, my (Ducati's) specs.  I also found this really good video from Rick's    

[ChrisK]

Chris, in my last response I got two things wrong because I did not re-read the whole thread.  First, I suggested another meter because what I thought were wonky readings were readings in another thread Sorry! I also did not remember your stator output results. Re-check following beethoven's method, my (Ducati's) specs.  I also found this really good video from Rick's    

I thought you had something mixed around.

If you read above I did do the test Beethoven described, just as Rick did in the video… and I was able to get over 50V fairly easily across each of the three pairs of wires. However, in another post above, I stated that I think the continuity is too far off between pairs. One pair was about .9, one was about .7, and the third was about .5.

So, does this mean I should just pull the side cover off and inspect the stator itself?

Just thinking more about this. If the continuity is indeed too far off between the pairs of wires, is it possible that, even though the proper voltage is being produced, my stator is frying my R/R?

I just bought and installed a new one a year ago, so is it possible that the same thing has happened all over again, and the root cause is the stator?

I watched this video on checking the rectifier, is it a necessary test at this point Howie?

[SpikeC]

 Does it matter which yellow wires go to which yellow wires? If the plug is removed and the wires are soldered together, if the orientation of the wires is scrambled is that an issue?
The last stator that I had to deal with was in a 1965 Triumph 500, so I am trying to figure out how this works now that I have a Ducati engine in the garage!

[ChrisK]

No it doesn't matter which, SpikeC.


I have an update/correction. I just did the continuity test over again with two different multimeters and both showed the pairs of wires hovering right around .6. So according to that the stator passes. Also passes according to the AC voltage test.

So now I'm back to square one I think...

[SpikeC]

 Thanks, and you can call me Spike!
My bike has the same charging setup and after seeing all of the issues that people seem to have I want to be as informed as possible should the event ever arise that I need it!

[ChrisK]

Yeah, even though it sucks when things break, it's fun learning about them and having the piece of mind that you know what you're riding.

After having those two stator tests check out, I'm starting to lean towards maybe my regulator went bad, AGAIN. Waiting to hear advice from the gurus though...

[ducpainter]

Yeah, even though it sucks when things break, it's fun learning about them and having the piece of mind that you know what you're riding.

After having those two stator tests check out, I'm starting to lean towards maybe my regulator went bad, AGAIN. Waiting to hear advice from the gurus though...

Where did you get that 'new' regulator?

[ChrisK]

Borrowed from a friend, he uses his all the time. At what point am I allowed to trust the meters?

[ChrisK]

Oh sorry you said regulator, not meter, I'm tired.

I can't remember off the top of my head, but I can dig for it. I know this board helped me diagnose the problem then and I was probably pointed in the right direction based off that.

[beethoven]

Hi Chris
Sounds like your alternator is ok. I was like you when I had my charging issues a couple of yrs ago. Once I confirmed the alternator ok I pr oceeded to Rr tests on Electrosport site. Readings quickly determined an issue with RR and was replaced. I also hard wired the connection between alternator and RR to eliminate connector. This is optional and not liked by some but if everything checks out and you have a good RR fitted future problems should be very low risk. If you haven't seen it the website is Electrosport.com and the  fault finding guide is in the diagnosis centre. You are at bottom of Page 2 where all 3 have  over 50 volts.



Good luck

Al

[ChrisK]

Thanks for the help, Beethoven! If the RR has gone bad again I'm going to be pretty peeved. Hope I can find where I bought it from...

[ChrisK]

Just discovered I bought an electrosport regulator from Ca-Cycleworks.

[ChrisK]

Okay how do I test the RR? I have 7 total wires coming out of mine. There's the 3 yellow wires from the alternator. Then there's 2 red wires and 2 green wires.