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Author Topic: CB550 charges at times  (Read 1533 times)

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Offline Glaede

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CB550 charges at times
« on: June 12, 2013, 01:53:57 AM »
Hi guys

I have a charging issue with my bike. I thought it was down to a bad regulator/rectifier, so I bought a new unit of ebay. The thing is that the bike is only charging properly at times. For example, yesterday I changed to the new regulator/rectifier and measured a nice steady charge of 13.8-14v. Took it for a spin and it rode beautifully and pulled strong. When I got home I took another measurement and now it was only like 12.8v. How could this be? I had the same problem with my old regulator and rectifier (org. setup), so I think I can eliminate that. Could a bad battery refuse to "accept" the charge? I don't think its the battery though, since I have no problem charging it with my charger..

Thanks :-)
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Offline trueblue

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #1 on: June 12, 2013, 03:25:07 AM »
Sounds like you either have a bad connection somewhere or a broken wire.  First place to check is under the chain cover on the engine, there should be 3 bullet connectors under there on the yellow wires that come from the stator.  It is pretty common for these to come loose and give intermittent charge issues ;D
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Offline Glaede

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #2 on: June 12, 2013, 03:48:39 AM »
Okay thanks, well I did pull the cover a few weeks ago to change the gear shaft seal and I noticed a green/white wire as far as I recall from the stator, but I didn't see any yellow ones (or maybe I just didn't pay attention). Should they come out of the stator or where should I be able to find them?
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Offline trueblue

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #3 on: June 12, 2013, 03:59:45 AM »
I'm pretty sure that's where they are, there are 3 yellow wires that come from under the stator cover, then up and behind the cylinders.  They are the AC voltage wires from the alternator that run up to the rectifier. 
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1979 CB650Z
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Offline Glaede

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2013, 04:01:37 AM »
Great, well I do have the yellow wires at the regulator, so they must be there somewhere ;-)

But thanks again, I'll try finding them and take a look at it!
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Offline trueblue

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #5 on: June 12, 2013, 04:05:44 AM »
Let us know how you get on
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1979 CB650Z
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Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #6 on: June 12, 2013, 04:17:49 AM »
Stuartni had a charging problem, turns out his Ebay reg/rec was faulty. Maybe check it out.
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Offline Glaede

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #7 on: June 12, 2013, 04:19:47 AM »
Quote from: LesterPiglet on June 12, 2013, 04:17:49 AM
Stuartni had a charging problem, turns out his Ebay reg/rec was faulty. Maybe check it out.

Okay, well I don't think that's my problem since I had the same issue with my old original regulator/rectifier setup. With my new setup it does charge better (higher voltage at lower rpms), but still doesn't charge properly all the time.
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Offline kghost

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #8 on: June 12, 2013, 06:05:34 AM »
Where are you measuring the voltage at?

What RPM are you getting the readings at?

Remember a discharged battery will initially draw more voltage.

After a ride (and the subsequent battery charging) 12.8 is not uncommon at Idle.

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Offline Duanob

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #9 on: June 12, 2013, 07:44:58 AM »
Here try this FAQ:

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/FAQ.html

its your best bet instead of buying parts willy nilly that you may or may not need.
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Offline strynboen

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #10 on: June 12, 2013, 09:47:11 AM »
here are the yellow vires..and how they are plugged in the stator and rotor/elektro magenet

you can send it to "langelands elektro"..and i vill thek it aut for  free
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #11 on: June 12, 2013, 10:00:45 AM »
From the shop manual
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Offline kghost

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #12 on: June 13, 2013, 12:34:55 AM »
Same thought I had Lloyd lol
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Offline Pasoren

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2014, 12:54:30 PM »
Hi
Did you find the fault? I have the same problem...
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Offline Glaede

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Re: CB550 charges at times
« Reply #14 on: May 26, 2014, 11:28:59 PM »
Well, I think my fault was due to corroded wires, so I took some householding vinegar in a plastic bag and strapped it around the different plugs that needed attention. After that I gave it some contact cleaner and put it all together again. Since that I can't remember having charging issues.
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