I do have a voltmeter, but as I said, I'm no electrician... how would you recommend testing? The only way that I determined the charging circuit is working is that we were getting nothing before we replaced the stator and now we are getting 12.8-14 -- that, and the battery is still good after running the bike for a bit.
Thanks again, Dustin On Jun 20, 12:32 am, Dennis Hammerl <[email protected]> wrote: > Do you have or have access to a voltmeter ? All of this sounds like a ground > issue. No way to check without some way of measuring. How did you determine > the charging circuit is working ? > > --- On Fri, 6/19/09, dustin-t <[email protected]> wrote: > > From: dustin-t <[email protected]> > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Lights/Battery/Charging System > To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <[email protected]> > Date: Friday, June 19, 2009, 9:14 PM > > OK, here is the update: > > I replaced the Stator with a rebuilt one, which solved the charging > problem. I also cleaned the carbs (which needed it) and the engine is > running smoother now. The oil seemed to have some water in it, so I am > in the process of flushing with new oil. > > PROBLEM: I still have no blinkers, horn, or taillights. I thought this > was a product of the charging problem, but now it's charging fine; > Where I was getting them occasionally before, now I'm getting nothing. > The mechanic was apparently just that -- and not an electrician (and > neither am I). I DO however have high/low beams. I've taken the switch > apart and at first glance there are no glaring issues. If anyone can > suggest a good way to trouble shoot the lights, or has any experience > with that system, I would greatly appreciate any advice. > > I'm enjoying working on the bike, and learning a lot... But most of > all I want to ride it! Thanks in advance- > > Dustin > > On Jun 11, 7:02 pm, dustin-t <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Thanks for all the good advice. I am also convinced it's a charging > > problem at this point. Took me five miles today before leaving me > > stranded with a dead battery after a full charge. Got her to the shop > > for a formal diagnosis, so I'll keep all up to date. > > > On Jun 11, 5:55 pm, "Aldo" <[email protected]> wrote: > > > > Sounds like your charging system took a dump... The tell is that > > > everything > > > works with a good charge before you start the bike. And while you are > > > riding > > > the battery is being charged intermittently. Off the bat, we know your > > > connections to all lights and ignition systems are ok. This is a good > > > thing > > > :) but good practice to check/clean them anyway. > > > > You need to take care of the charging system first. You obviously want > > > that > > > to be charging at all times while the bike is running. My bet is that will > > > solve your problem. You may need a new battery after that is done because > > > they tend to lose there ability to hold a charge after being drained so > > > many > > > times... We are troubleshooting here so once that is done let us know what > > > happened and we'll go from there. > > > > Peace & grease! ~Aldo > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: [email protected] > > > > [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of dustin-t > > > Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 6:03 PM > > > To: Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers! > > > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Lights/Battery/Charging System > > > > Hello all, > > > > I've had a look around and I can tell I am going to be visiting this > > > forum VERY often with all the good info. Anyway, it seems someone here > > > can probably point be in the right direction, which I would very much > > > appreciate... > > > > I just bought my first bike, an83Nighthawk550. Mechanically it > > > seems very solid, runs and starts right up (with a full charge). The > > > strange stuff is with the lights/charging. > > > > With a fresh charge, BEFORE I start the bike I am getting all lights > > > (blinkers, headlight, brake light, everything). However, after I start > > > the bike I am getting nothing but a headlight and neutral light, and > > > occasionally thehorn. > > > > The other night, I fired her up and had nothing, and then after 10+ > > > minutes at idle with full to half choke, I suddenly got everything > > > back. However, that hasn't been repeated and I can't seem to get > > > lights again while the bike is running, even after a couple miles > > > around the block. Instead, after two miles the battery was totally > > > dead and the bike wouldn't even turn over. > > > > I've been taking the battery out and recharging it, and have it setup > > > now for the night. > > > > I really appreciate any suggestions for troubleshooting! I'll keep you > > > informed of progress... > > > > Thanks, > > > Dustin > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > > > Checked by AVG -www.avg.com > > > Version: 8.5.339 / Virus Database: 270.12.62/2168 - Release Date: 06/10/09 > > > 18:30:00 --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
