Rod,
Your measurements sound similar to mine - OK.
I took the advice of the tech list and cleaned my 3-prong connector (white
wires under left side cover) VERY CLEAN. Minor oil seepage from the valve
covers and general road sludge over the last 15 years finally added up to
something. I used a light coating of dielectric grease to help prevent
corrosion, but this will probably attract more dirt in the long run. Many
guys have removed the connector and soldered the wires directly together.
Remember that most charging systems have 2 modes of operation: a high
charging rate for when the battery has low voltage/high current draw, and a
'maintenance' charge rate for when the battery is charged. This circuit
requires the correct feedback in order to work properly. Apparently a slight
resistance in that circuit (at the connector) has been responsible for the
problems many of us experienced.
Check your battery too!!! How old is it?? Pull it out and hold it up to
the sun for a good look.
Mine was less than 2 years old, and there were some major sulfation deposits
in 3-4 cells. I replaced it with a $59 battery from AutoZone about a month
ago. Haven't had a problem since! My bike was previously giving me
starting problems for the last 4 years!! I was just about to upgrade the
starter to the newer model, but found that wasn't my problem.
I always use distilled water in my batteries, but my V-Max has been
notorious in trashing them! I find it hard to believe I've had 3 bogus
batteries since I bought the bike in '92, but anything is possible. Now
that I think about it, improper charging from the bike itself probably
contributed to the demise of those units. This is my fourth battery - and
hopefully last for some time! My '82 Maxim batteries typically last over 5
years.
The voltage drops as the R's increase due to the increased load imposed by
the engine. Unless your voltage drops way down, this shouldn't be a
problem.
Good Luck, (and sorry for the diatribe!)
-Chris, '85 Stocker
VMOA 1162 (I think!)
>From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
>Subject: Charging System problem
>
>Can anyone shed some light on my charging system problem?
>I went to start my 1990 V-Max and the battery wouldn't turn the engine
over.
>Suggestions anyone?
>
>Rod Byers
>V.M.O.A. #715
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