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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: 73eldorado on May 09, 2019, 01:51:52 PM

Title: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 09, 2019, 01:51:52 PM
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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Wayne Orwig on May 09, 2019, 07:04:46 PM
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?)
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 09, 2019, 07:57:00 PM
It’s old school points, there are electronic ones available. Might have to take the unit apart and do a inspection.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: TOMB on May 10, 2019, 10:43:43 AM
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
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Furbo on May 10, 2019, 04:22:47 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on May 10, 2019, 04:29:35 PM
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. 
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Tom on May 10, 2019, 07:29:55 PM
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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: geodoc on May 10, 2019, 10:57:45 PM
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.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvJHLxhg/reverse-current-relay.jpg)

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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Wayne Orwig on May 10, 2019, 11:09:21 PM
the 'reverse current' cut-out relay part of the regulator to be specific.

Yes. Those contacts tend to burn and stick if I recall.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 11, 2019, 11:19:48 AM
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!!
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: acogoff on May 11, 2019, 02:01:51 PM
     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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: guzzisteve on May 11, 2019, 02:52:36 PM
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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 11, 2019, 06:36:33 PM
     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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on May 11, 2019, 09:48:17 PM
Its not an LED by any chance?
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 11, 2019, 10:06:00 PM
Its not an LED by any chance?
No such technology in this old tractor.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Antietam Classic Cycle on May 11, 2019, 10:13:25 PM
Whether it's an LED or incandescent doesn't matter on a generator system.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Kiwi_Roy on May 11, 2019, 11:07:49 PM
It's just that LEDs will start to light at very small currents, about 0.2 milliamps whereas an incandescent needs 100 x that.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: 73eldorado on May 14, 2019, 02:08:25 PM
Looks like the field wire got rubbed through by the side cover and was grounding out
(https://i.ibb.co/tBg50mW/A66-E7-E81-DE47-4-A36-BAFC-15727-AE2-DEA4.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tBg50mW)
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: acogoff on May 14, 2019, 04:02:28 PM
     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.
Title: Re: Generator light
Post by: Tom on May 14, 2019, 04:07:10 PM
 :thumb:  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.