Generator light

[73eldorado]

I know there is lots of loop frame guys with lots of knowledge in our great forum. On my last couple of rides on the eldo when  I shut off the ignition the generator light comes on, it’s not very bright but you can definitely see it. After about 10 minutes it goes out. When you start the bike it goes out, checking the voltage it’s at 14.9 which is on the high end. I have a Bosch regulator and I am thinking it could be going south but just wanted to see what the group thinks.

[Wayne Orwig]

I think that means the regulator contacts are sticking.  But I'm not 100% on that.

Can you try filing and adjusting them? Or is it electronic? (is there such a thing?)

[73eldorado]

It’s old school points, there are electronic ones available. Might have to take the unit apart and do a inspection.

[TOMB]

Be sure you check the ground wire from the regulator ,on my 73 Eldorado it was on the right side, and it was a black wire going to the upper bolt on the tool box ,between the tool box and the fender, the wire was partially broken not giving me sufficient ground, IE. High Resistance ground ,good luck
TOMB

[Furbo]

I'm with Wayne - regulator.

If it's the original or one like it, replace it with an electronic one for an aircooled VW beetle. Bolts up the same, wiring is similar, not exact. V700's aren't rocket science, you'll figure it out easily enough.

I consider the points on the V700's to be a feature, not a bug. Much easier to adjust/clean than the later dual points. As to a 'more precise ignition' - nonsense. The points are the last action in a sloppy train beginning with the crank to cam then turned 90' on the dizzy. 

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I'm with Wayne - regulator.

If it's the original or one like it, replace it with an electronic one for an aircooled VW beetle. Bolts up the same, wiring is similar, not exact. V700's aren't rocket science, you'll figure it out easily enough.

I consider the points on the V700's to be a feature, not a bug. Much easier to adjust/clean than the later dual points. As to a 'more precise ignition' - nonsense. The points are the last action in a sloppy train beginning with the crank to cam then turned 90' on the dizzy.

I think the "points" referenced were those inside the electro-mechanical voltage regulator, not those of the ignition system. 

[Tom]

I'm with Charlie on this one.  The mechanical ones will stick.  On my Ambassador, I would pull the cover off the regulator and move the points around.  I did this till I finally got a replacement from NAPA.

[geodoc]

the 'reverse current' cut-out relay part of the regulator to be specific.

Try sanding their points and cleaning then see if your problem goes away.

I'm with Charlie on this one.  The mechanical ones will stick.  On my Ambassador, I would pull the cover off the regulator and move the points around.  I did this till I finally got a replacement from NAPA.

[Wayne Orwig]

the 'reverse current' cut-out relay part of the regulator to be specific.

Yes. Those contacts tend to burn and stick if I recall.

[73eldorado]

Thanks guys, I will pull the regulator and check the contacts and grounds etc. I do believe the problem is in the regulator so will buy a six pack light up a cigar and ponder the meaning of life and regulators!!

[acogoff]

     Normally, when the battery contacts stick on the Generator tries to motorize and being held back by the belt will soon start to make expensive smoke!!! within seconds!!! So one would think you would have fried the gen by now. So is a puzzle.

[guzzisteve]

I started replacing the box w/diode board they replaced it with in the late 90's, never looked back. No one else had them but Bosch dealers. I had a VW specialist close by.

[73eldorado]

     Normally, when the battery contacts stick on the Generator tries to motorize and being held back by the belt will soon start to make expensive smoke!!! within seconds!!! So one would think you would have fried the gen by now. So is a puzzle.

The generator light is not fully lit up, hopefully this means good things. You got me worried, it does still charge though.

[Kiwi_Roy]

Its not an LED by any chance?

[73eldorado]

Its not an LED by any chance?

No such technology in this old tractor.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

Whether it's an LED or incandescent doesn't matter on a generator system.

[Kiwi_Roy]

It's just that LEDs will start to light at very small currents, about 0.2 milliamps whereas an incandescent needs 100 x that.

[73eldorado]

Looks like the field wire got rubbed through by the side cover and was grounding out

[acogoff]

     You are lucky it was a poor ground, or you would have had absolute uncontrolled full tilt charging of the generator until something burned up. I am glad you found it.

[Tom]

   Solved the mystery.  Fortunately, it's a motorcycle and not an aircraft.  Falling out of the sky doesn't seem to be an option that a lot of people would like.