Author Topic: Charging problem (Read 1142 times)

creaky99 · « **on:** July 19, 2020, 01:43:19 PM »

'98 V11 Cali. Lately the charge lamp on the dash has been flickering at idle, goes out as soon as engine speed is off idle. I put about 50 miles on it this morning and the charge lamp was steady red at idle, goes off at about 1500 RPM. I checked the battery voltage; engine off 11.5V, engine running at idle 12.8V. With 11.5V at the battery it seems to me that there is not enough voltage to start the engine, but it starts up every time with no hesitation. I tried another multimeter thinking that it could be the problem, same result. What the heck is going on here??

Zoom Zoom · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2020, 01:55:28 PM »

Seriously, that is not unusual. IIRC, the proper voltage output was measured at 2000rpm.

ZZ

pehayes · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2020, 01:58:57 PM »

Your voltage regulator is dead. VERY common with the 98EV. Symptoms the same as mine. You MIGHT save it by running a clean, dedicated ground wire from the regulator body to an engine bolt.

Otherwise you can replace the regulator easily. MCCycle sells a direct replacement. Euromotoelectrics sells a Ducati version that requires a simple wiring or connector change.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

creaky99 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2020, 02:12:32 PM »

Thanks Pat, I'll connect a ground wire and hope for the best.

Wildguzzi.com · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2020, 02:12:32 PM »

JoeB · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2020, 02:32:32 PM »

What Patrick said. Been there.
FWIW an oldie but goodie for diagnosing, at least on older bikes.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1091/5694/files/fault-finding-diagram.pdf?235929069374954073

creaky99 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2020, 02:36:06 PM »

Connected a ground wire, no change, I'll be ordering a regulator. \

JoeB...Thanks for the flowchart, I'll copy it and add it to the library.

Vagrant · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2020, 04:14:06 PM »

did you pull the connector apart and deoxit it?

creaky99 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 20, 2020, 07:21:52 AM »

Haven't pulled the connectors yet, that is the first thing on the agenda for today.....as soon as the coffee runs out.

creaky99 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2020, 09:27:27 AM »

Checked connectors, no problems found. Is anyone using the ElectroSport ESR515 Regulator/Rectifier ?

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2020, 09:37:01 AM »

Quote from: creaky99 on July 20, 2020, 09:27:27 AM

Checked connectors, no problems found. Is anyone using the ElectroSport ESR515 Regulator/Rectifier ?

Oddly the picture does not show a ground connection. Even if it is a good unit, beware the poor grounds have often been an issue with those units.

creaky99 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2020, 11:37:04 AM »

Rechecked all the regulator connections, no issues noted. Alternator yellow wires putting out 19.6V @ idle, 35 at 2500 RPM. Battery voltage key off 12.5. @ 4000 RPM battery voltage 12.9. Are we in agreement that the regulator is sick? Found a taped up yellow wire under the tank, what is it? Other end of connecter has a black and a gray wire, small gauge.

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Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2020, 04:05:21 PM »

Quote from: creaky99 on July 20, 2020, 11:37:04 AM

Rechecked all the regulator connections, no issues noted. Alternator yellow wires putting out 19.6V @ idle, 35 at 2500 RPM. Battery voltage key off 12.5. @ 4000 RPM battery voltage 12.9. Are we in agreement that the regulator is sick? Found a taped up yellow wire under the tank, what is it? Other end of connecter has a black and a gray wire, small gauge.

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Yes, sort of implies regulator/rectifier. Did you test for 12 volts into the regulator on the switched wire? (I forget the wire color)

That taped up wire looks like the sidestand switch. Is your disabled?

creaky99 · « **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2020, 09:41:14 AM »

Wayne, I did test the power supply to the regulator, it is red in this case, is delivering 12.5V. Yes, the sidestand switch is disabled. I have learned that some of the 98 EVs had slightly different wiring configurations and wire colors. From the diagrams I have looked at, I can't determine for sure if the yellow wire is for the sidestand, but you are probably correct. I went ahead and ordered an Electrosport regulator, hope it works. Thanks everyone for the input.

Wayne Orwig · « **Reply #13 on:** July 21, 2020, 10:15:11 AM »

Quote from: creaky99 on July 21, 2020, 09:41:14 AM

Wayne, I did test the power supply to the regulator, it is red in this case, is delivering 12.5V.

Not the wire I mean.
Sorry, don't have the schematic at hand. Yes, the red wire to the battery should of course always read battery voltage. And verify that the case is grounded well.
But there is a plug with two connections on it. One lights the dash light, the other (black and white I believe) gets power from the ignition circuit to power up the regulator.

Craig in Alabama · « **Reply #14 on:** July 21, 2020, 10:22:11 AM »

Hi Creaky,

I've had this unit on my '98 V11 since 2016:

https://www.euromotoelectrics.com/product-p/edlguz-voltrectoe.htm

And it's on sale!

Cheers!
Craig

creaky99 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 21, 2020, 01:41:21 PM »

Quote from: Wayne Orwig on July 21, 2020, 10:15:11 AM

Not the wire I mean.

But there is a plug with two connections on it. One lights the dash light, the other (black and white I believe) gets power from the ignition circuit to power up the regulator.

OK, I was confused on that. I will check the double connector. Thanks.

creaky99 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 22, 2020, 10:52:02 AM »

Installed the Electrosport regulator this morning, IT WORKS! 14.1V @ 2200 RPM, no flickering idiot light. Thanks everyone for all the help.

Kiwi_Roy · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2020, 12:10:43 AM »

Quote from: creaky99 on July 20, 2020, 09:27:27 AM

Checked connectors, no problems found. Is anyone using the ElectroSport ESR515 Regulator/Rectifier ?

No, this is the one I chose for my VII Sport based on it's direct connection, It doesn't rely on the flakey Guzzi Voltage reference through the headlight relay.
https://www.electrosport.com/collections/regulator-rectifiers/products/esr510-regulator-rectifier-ducati-1-phase-charge-light-output.
Its only drawback as far as I can see is a small Parasitic current draw, pull the fuse if storing it for the winter but don't forget to put it back in the spring, ask me how I know.

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Author Topic: Charging problem (Read 1142 times)

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