Topic: Changed "Twinker" Relay, Lost Power Totally

[senyah750]

Hi Everyone,

I have a '77 cb750f and i was having some issues with the turn signals. All signals would illuminate with the designated left or right choice and the buzzer was properly working, however, they would not flash.

I found this on e-bay to correct the problem: http://www.ebay.com/itm/190798549550

When i went to change out the relay all of my lights were working, i could sound the horn, and the headlight worked properly, however, after making the switch i had a complete loss of power. I plugged in the old relay and still no power whatsoever.

I should mention that i got a little excited and left the key in the "ON" position when i pulled the connectors off on the old relay. Could that have blown a fuse?

I'm thinking my over-zealously (is that a word?) caused a malfunction while the circuit was open. Where should i start? I have a trip planned for Memorial Day and i would love to be able to ride! I sold my Indy 500 tickets for this trip, so i'm determined!!!

I appreciate everyone's help!

[flybox1]

Yeah...how about checking your fuses first
And by 'checking' I mean pull the fuses out.   Verify each one is good with a meter, and have a look at the wiring/holders and the fuse panel itself.
Make sure ALL of it is good

[senyah750]

Will do. Looks like i need to purchase a multimeter. Are these fuses a special order?

Sorry for my lack of knowledge, i'm trying to learn!

Thanks for the help!

[flybox1]

Fuses should be available at auto parts stores.
The stock fuse panel gets pretty hot if the harness and connections are not taken care of.
It can melt.
Hondaman offers a blade fuel holder as a direct swap.
I made my own out of three mini blade holders.

[flybox1]

the $8 multimeters from HARBOR FREIGHT are good enough for our puposes.
http://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Fuse-With-a-Multimeter

[senyah750]

Great! I really appreciate the help!

I definitely need to learn this stuff. Electrical stuff is too intimidating to me.

I will look into figuring out how to order one of those from Hondaman. Seems like it would be a much better set up.

I will get a multimeter tonight and see what i can figure out.

Thanks again!

[flybox1]

http://sohc4shop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=48

and one of these, too  http://sohc4shop.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=30

[trenchgrinder750]

I bought that same relay and it didn't last 3 months.  first I had to cross the wires to get the relay to work properly.  then after 2 months my taillight fuse(5amp? can't remember off that top of my head) blew and the relay popped.   

[senyah750]

Thanks everyone for the input! She's back to running like a 750 should and all the electric components are back to normal with the new relay and fuse.

I feel like an ass asking that question before diving in myself and trying to figure out the problem. I was on my lunch break when the problem occurred, so i figured i could rely on this forum to get some leads on what to do when i was off work.  The newer fuses seem to be just a hair longer than the previous one, but really no issues there. Of course, after going to Auto Zone, i found a set of spare fuses in the compartment under the seat that must have been left from the PO or the shop that rebuilt her.

I hope that relay lasts longer than a few months, if there is a more reliable relay, i'm all ears.

Thanks for the link to the blade-fuse holder. I will definitely look into that. Also, that coffee table book looks like something i need. A little pricey but i can get down on supporting the hard work HondaMan put into that. I'm sure it's very useful.

Again, thanks everyone for helping my not-so-knowledgeable self. I'm trying to learn as much as i can and this forum has been the best resource! Have a great Memorial Day weekend and ride safe!

-Steve

[flybox1]

Glad it all worked out easy.  That book wont stay on your coffee table for long   
Gotta post a picture of your bike.  Price of admission 

[senyah750]

Thanks again!

Here she is from the parking lot. Sorry, looks like the lens was pretty dirty on my phone. Probably going to get everything resprayed to the original candy presto red this winter..

[senyah750]

Another angle..

Not in terrible shape, but i wish she looked as good as she runs!

Have a great Memorial Day everyone!

Thanks again for all of the help!

[flybox1]

Looks nice.   Good job!