I like wires...

[DrHeathenScum]

...got any that don't work right?

[darrell]

I got 2 wires that I have to hook up in order for my new GPS to start workin. Does that count?

[DrHeathenScum]

power and ground... orange w/white for accessory power and black for ground.

[swmnkdinthervr]

I can build a motor but seem to be electronically challenged...I'll let ya know!

[harleyjsb]

...got any that don't work right?

I think Gray has a couple of his crossed...............

[polarbear]

Hey Doc, I've got a 1992 Electra glide. Not so stock evo with a new voltage regulator and an odyssey battery. While I ride, the volt meter will start at around 13.5 to 14 volts and then drops to 12 volts for about 10 seconds then jumps back to the 13.5-14 volts for about 15 to 20 seconds then back to 12 volts again. I haven't ridden anything over 35 miles or so at a time and it keeps doing it. Not sure if the battery will run down on a longer trip or not, it always seems to start the bike if I stop and shut it off.

By the way, the stator and magnet are new as well. Could it be the regulator or battery? Don't think it's a short, the volt meter would go to 0 volts if it was that. Been thinkin about changing out the battery first and then the regulator. If that doesn't work, I will need to look at the stator or wiring next.

Any input would be appreciated.


Polarbear

[P 0 P E Y E]

With all due Respect to Dr. H. S. for starting this thread, I feel the compulsion to jump in.

Forgive me Doc, add, correct or flame away.
I have trespassed but got a permit first.

The question about the 12 volt thingy. Sounds like the charging circuit is loosing excitation.

The intermittent connection is causing the the charging circuit to open showing only battery voltage. When the loose connection makes contact, the alternator comes back on line and the batter voltage goes up again.

The Volt meter and charging system are connected in parallel to the battery, which means an open could effect the charging output and still allow battery voltage to read on the gage.

[FXDRYDR]

...I thought this was about wire wheels and I was just going to say, "I like mine." That's all...

[polarbear]

With all due Respect to Dr. H. S. for starting this thread, I feel the compulsion to jump in.

Forgive me Doc, add, correct or flame away.
I have trespassed but got a permit first.

The question about the 12 volt thingy. Sounds like the charging circuit is loosing excitation.

The intermittent connection is causing the the charging circuit to open showing only battery voltage. When the loose connection makes contact, the alternator comes back on line and the batter voltage goes up again.

The Volt meter and charging system are connected in parallel to the battery, which means an open could effect the charging output and still allow battery voltage to read on the gage.

Thanks P O P E Y E, good point that I hadn't thought about. Wouldn't a loose connection be more sporadic though? This drop in voltage is pretty consistent time wise when it drops to 12 volts then back again.

I installed a new battery Saturday and hope to get a ride in this evening to see what may have changed after the install.


Polarbear

[polarbear]

Battery seemed to do the trick, the other may have had a bad cell or something. Test ride had the volt meter setting just above 13 volts and steady as rock, I'll be doing a longer ride probably this weekend if it's warm.

Keep your fingers crossed and thanks for the help, it was appreciated.


Polarbear

[Deejay]

Did you buy another Odyssey?
How long did you have the old battery?
Just trying to find out the life span of these batteries.... :D

[P 0 P E Y E]

Batteries can do some pretty funny stuff when they Ship the bed.

I had one that had a broken terminal inside the battery just under the case. It could carry the load of the head light and accessories. But the starter would cause the weak connection to fail.

Some times it would connect good enough to pass the amperage a starter draws other times it would not.

Hard to troubleshoot a failure mode if it is intermittent and not in the fail mode.

Found it by (bike in neutral) having an assistant hold the start button on, ignition on while I gave the wires a good wiggle.

Test for an intermittent open circuit by applying load and moving the wires or connection.

It is best practice to use a tip I learned from the Cat in the Hat...The song is about locating something by finding where it is not.

If an electrical circuit has 4 components....test each component for proper function...one at a time.

Do not change a part until all the other parts test good...or that one part fails the test.

It's kind of like checking a multiplication problem with division.

All I can remember of the song is..."if you have miss laid a certain something, don't lose your head don't go to pot. Calculatis eliminatatus is the best friend that you've got." "To find that certain something, you must find out where it's not."

[P 0 P E Y E]

Lets see.....

The current flows in Amps

Amps is a function of resistance

Cross sectional area is directly proportional to the load carrying capabilities......Sleepy

[polarbear]

Did you buy another Odyssey?
How long did you have the old battery?
Just trying to find out the life span of these batteries.... :D


The battery was three years old and had been through hell during those years. Not sure if the guy that sold it to me realized the punishment and vibration they are put through. It had the same crankin amps as a standard Harley battery, but the case was a lot smaller. I'm thinkin the plates may have vibrated loose or something to cause it to go toes up.

I bought a battery from the dealership this time. We'll see how long this one lasts. Yes I do use a battery tender during the cold months.



Polarbear

[harleydevlin]

Lets see.....

The current flows in Amps

Amps is a function of resistance

Cross sectional area is directly proportional to the load carrying capabilities......Sleepy

" Amps" Put another way : I =E/r :bowdown:

[LittleBear]

The battery was three years old and had been through hell during those years. Not sure if the guy that sold it to me realized the punishment and vibration they are put through. It had the same crankin amps as a standard Harley battery, but the case was a lot smaller. I'm thinkin the plates may have vibrated loose or something to cause it to go toes up.

I bought a battery from the dealership this time. We'll see how long this one lasts. Yes I do use a battery tender during the cold months.



Polarbear

The Old Battery Tenders were no made to be used on Odyssey batteries. They now make one specifically for the Odyssey batteries. Had to do with the charging amps and the shut off voltage for the Odyssey batteries.
I have had better luck with the AGM sealed H-D batteries.
You need a Battery Tender Plus or newer model for the AGM batteries, the original Battery Tender should not be used on AGM batteries either.

[dynageno]

the HD battery's are real good IMO. but when they go, there isn't always much warning! We run them in both bikes...