Dreaded REG/REC Problem (Or Not?)

[Centennial Man]

Hi fellas

I came into work this morning as usual on my Y2K FI 'Bird - no problems. I stalled it in the works car park and it was suddenly as dead as a very dead thing. The 'very nice man' from the RAC has checked the battery which is looking like its fecked. The charging rate is around 13V with and without lights, so it looks like the rectumfrier is OK.

My question: is this normal, or suggestive of the dreaded reg/rec problem even though the charging voltage seems OK :dunno:

 

[Jaws]

Charging voltage seems far from ok to be honest.. at a couple of k revs it should be over 14 volts.. ( as a rough guide )

Whilst reg regs do go on the EFI model it is more usually the alternator ( sorry :bang: )

Order of play:

Get the bike home

Get the battery charged

Locate the reg rec ( left hand side half way along the seat cowl )

There are two plugs.. Look for the one with three yellow or three white wires in it.

Unplug.

Start bike and using the meter set on 200v AC check between any two of the wires coming up from the engine.

Voltage should be anywhere in excess of 20 volts AC no matter what pair of wires you chose.

Check between all combinations.. All and any pair of wires should al read the same ( This could be anywhere really from 18 v to 60 v !! )

If there is a significant variation between any pair at all, then the alternator is phut..

 

[Centennial Man]

Cheers, mate. Looks like it could be expensive then! I'll do as you say, but given that I need my bike every day I think I'll let a dealer look at it, using your advice. It needs a service in any case before winter comes.....

 

[Jaws]

Shame you are so far away really.. I could have saved you about 40 to 50% on both the service and other work ( That is what most folk seem to save on average according to what is posted by them on here )

The alternator should not be more than about ?90ish, ?10 to ?12 for the gasket, and an hours labour to fit it

 

[Centennial Man]

Alack and alas :xm Whilst your rate is way better than anything available locally, the cost would surely negate the saving :xm I'm determined to do as much at home as possible from now on so if the alternator is shagged, I'll be in touch!

Cheers
Andy

 

[Centennial Man]

Well I charged my battery and buried my head in the sand as the bike was running OK again - until today. The same 'very nice man' from the RAC jump started the bike and its with my local dealer to check the R/R and generator. It is very definitely not charging with the lights on and certainly not getting 15V at the terminals. We'll see, and I'll keep you posted on the outcome.....

Andy