Topic: Current draw for a 77CB550F

[quattrodesmo]

I was wondering what the typical current draw should be between the positive cable and the positive terminal with the key and lights on. Right now I have about 10 amps running through it which seems high. The bike has a new regulator and rectifier from oregon cycles, (I tihought this would cure it but to no avail)

 If I undo the coil ground screw up by the neck I get the current to drop down to 4.5 amps, could I have a faulty coil pack??

Thanks!
Kevin

[oldbiker]

This current draw is not far from correct. The lights will take about 4 to 5 amps and the coils perhaps the same.  Undoing the coil ground connection effectively switches the coils off leaving the lights as the only draw.

[quattrodesmo]

Thanks for the reply,
My friend has almost the same bike (76 CB550 I beleive) and he reads about 5.5 total amps with the key on and headlight.

Does anyone out there with a CB550 have a compareable number for current draw between the battery cable and terminal? 10 amps just seems high to me.

Thanks!
Kevin

[TwoTired]

4.80A =The stock 5 ohm primary coils draw 2.4 amps each, x2 (However, only one may be energized at rest)
2.44A= Alternator field @ 4.9 ohms.
3.33A= The 40/50W headlight when on low beam
1.33A= Two front run lights @ 8 watts each
0.66A= Tail light  @ 8W
1.13A= Four instrument bulbs @ 3.4 w each
0.28A= Oil lamp @ 3.4 W
0.28A= nuetral lamp @ 3.4W

14.25A =total

[quattrodesmo]

Great info!
So it seems like where I am is in spec.

I'm up in the ME area and put it away for the winter, do the batteries at NAPA auto stores tend to last a fair amount? I'm having problems with the bike charging and am beginning to think that my problems are originating from a weak/beat battery.

[TwoTired]

Lead acid batteries will self discharge about 1% per day.  When they lose their charge they sulfate their plates which dimininishes their storage ability.  They can become useless just sitting on the shelf.  And if left discharged long enough, become worthless.  For periods of disuse greater than 2 weeks to 1 mo., you should use a battery tender to keep the battery at full charge and prevent sulfation.  I have several, but I like this one the best so far:
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=321%2D2101Y&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=6D765A777EE548DCA6FCF3E5FA216CE6

Cheers,