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Author Topic: Why does it hate me?  (Read 1138 times)

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pennyride

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Why does it hate me?
« on: October 25, 2008, 02:44:03 PM »
I've been troubleshooting the charging system on my '78 CB550, and I thought I finally had it-(?)

I performed the 4K RPM test, and found it was not charging. After going through each of the steps on the charging system inspection checklist found on the FAQ (thanks by the way, Harry!) I found myself doing a bench test for the regulator.

I checked the gaps with a gauge (the points look decent), turned IN the adjuster screw a quarter of a turn, and I was finally passing the 4K RPM test!

I took it for a good 20 - 25 minute ride, and when I came home and did the 4K test again - the readings on my meter very slowly went up- only reaching around 12.30V. It did ride strong the whole time.

Does my bike just hate me? Or do I need a new regulator?
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KingCustomCycles.com

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Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #1 on: October 25, 2008, 03:09:32 PM »
OEM Regulators are 15-20 bucks on ebay and very reliable.
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Offline pablo78cb550

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Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #2 on: October 25, 2008, 04:03:37 PM »
is your field coil working?
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Bikes in hand:
1977 Yamaha XS650
1978 Yamaha SR500 #119!
1978 Yamaha XS400
1978 Honda CB550K
1965 Ducati Monza 250

Sold off:
1992 Yamaha FZR600
1978 Yamaha SR500- I miss it so much.
1981 Yamaha Seca 550

pennyride

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Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #3 on: October 25, 2008, 08:03:03 PM »
I believe it is- I tested the resistance between the white wire and the battery ground wire, and I got a reading of between 4 and 8 ohms ( I don't remember exactly) - the needed readings according to the FAQ post for a good field coil.

Is there another way to test my field coil?
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Offline Hush

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Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #4 on: October 26, 2008, 12:25:04 AM »
No your bike doesn't hate you, it just does not understand your need for reliability and simplicity of function......nah scratch that, it hates you just like mine does! ;D
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I think the thing I most like about motorcycling is the speed at which my brain must process information at to avoid the numb skulls who are eating pies, playing the ukulele, applying make-up etc in the comfort of their airconditioned armchairs as they make random attempts to kill me!!!!!!!

Offline pablo78cb550

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Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #5 on: October 26, 2008, 01:04:27 AM »
charge the battery. get out your feeler gauge. pick a thin one. turn the bike on.
hold the feeler gauge next to case cover that houses the field coil. the feeler gauge should bend to meet the case.
letting you know its working.
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Bikes in hand:
1977 Yamaha XS650
1978 Yamaha SR500 #119!
1978 Yamaha XS400
1978 Honda CB550K
1965 Ducati Monza 250

Sold off:
1992 Yamaha FZR600
1978 Yamaha SR500- I miss it so much.
1981 Yamaha Seca 550

pennyride

  • Guest
Re: Why does it hate me?
« Reply #6 on: October 26, 2008, 09:39:41 AM »
Nice! Thanks Pablo- Field coil working a-okay with the feeler gauge test. I think I'm just going to replace the regulator and see if that solves my problems.

Thanks! This place is cool  8)
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