Topic: '78 CB750F Voltage draw

[SurfinBird]

I read on a different forum that a large drop in voltage when the key is turned would indicate a bad ground. What drop can I expect turning the key, not starting, at the battery on a functional charging system? I've had a charging issue forever and everything else checks out. I'm interested to see if this tells me anything.

[Steve F]

Well, if you think about it, a bad ground would either allow little or no current draw or voltage drop......

Some things to check:
A poor battery connection would have too much resistance to allow for a constant voltage given the current draw....
An ignition point that happens to be closed at the time you turn on the ignition switch would be sending current through a coil.....
A headlight or taillight that is lamped with a bulb that's too large could create a large current draw.....

Steve F