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Author Topic: Lights kill engine  (Read 1388 times)

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DaveNTexas

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Lights kill engine
« on: February 22, 2009, 07:08:31 PM »
Battery is low after the winter; jumped bike to start, and took off.
As soon as I flipped on headlamp, engine died like it was shot.
Repeated event after restart.

Have removed battery.  1yr old.  2 months since ran last.  Fluid fine.  Will attempt to charge then try new battery if no joy.

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Offline 750goes

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Re: Lights kill engine
« Reply #1 on: February 22, 2009, 07:12:37 PM »
may not be battery - but a short in the headlight switch itself....

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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Lights kill engine
« Reply #2 on: February 22, 2009, 09:52:06 PM »
Quote from: DaveNTexas on February 22, 2009, 07:08:31 PM
  Will attempt to charge then try new battery if no joy.

You are on the right track.  Low voltage kills the spark.  Headlights lower the voltage on a weak battery.  The alternator doesn't take over running the bile electrics from the battery until about 2500 RPM.

Cheers,

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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

DaveNTexas

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Re: Lights kill engine
« Reply #3 on: March 17, 2009, 08:25:57 PM »
New battery fixed problem!
Waiting to see if charging circuit will keep battery up.
Also, see this post for new problem!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=48279.0
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