High Output Alternator....interest?

[natemoen]

I don't know when the 4 ways started. Later years have them but my 78 doesnt.

[CatatonicBug]

Huh? So it does work or it doesn't?

Yes, it DOES work, and very well. However, at idle, the system does not charge the battery with either the OEM or Geezer's Reg/Rect. The OEM one doesn't start charging until the RPMs are up to about 2500, where Geezer's starts much lower, at about 1300-1500.

Thanks, Nate, what about the 4-ways (in case of break-downs, which almost never happen, right!)?

The 4-way switch, if it is there, is located on the underside of the turn signal switch housing. You can't miss it. The flasher for the 4-ways would be located just forward of the battery, under the seat on the left side, just inside the top frame rail.

[bikerphil]

The 80 models were the first to have emergency flashers, so your 79 doesn't.

[XSive Okie]

Thanks, guys. I have seen a picture of later models where it (4-way) is under the switch and noticed mine doesn't match up.

[DAVINCI]

Got it, Bug. So it's not such a great benefit unless you like to ride around lugging your engine, eh? Where we could really benefit is if it would charge AT IDLE. Then when you really need the xtra juice, like in slow traffic, you'd be ok.

[CatatonicBug]

Got it, Bug. So it's not such a great benefit unless you like to ride around lugging your engine, eh? Where we could really benefit is if it would charge AT IDLE. Then when you really need the xtra juice, like in slow traffic, you'd be ok.

Actually, The Geezer one charges at a better rate (not sure of the specs) than the OEM one, so it IS a benefit all the time. Most vehicles don't charge at idle - even cages.

The "extra juice" is for charging, and generally most important for longer runs. You want to be able to supply power to all the aux things for long stretches without draining the battery.

[bikerphil]

Most vehicles don't charge at idle - even cages.

I'd be willing to put some money on that one.

[CatatonicBug]

I'd be willing to put some money on that one.

I guess the question is the definition of "charging". If you car battery is dead, and you jump start it and only let it idle, generally, you won't be in any better state 20 minutes later. If you jump start it and drive the freeway for 20 minutes, you'll be able to start it again after shutting it off.

[motoman]

Nice try.......still not true C.Bug.......

[bikerphil]

Go put a voltmeter on any cage while idling and you'll see 14+ volts if the system is working properly. If it didn't charge at idle, you'd see cars stuck on the road during a night time traffic jam.

[crazy steve]

Most vehicles don't charge at idle - even cages..

Most car/truck alternators do have usable output at idle; that was the main reason they made the switch from generators. Not full output, but usually enough to keep the battery charged if you aren't running everything. The heavy-duty versions can manage even that; think emergency vehicles.

Those of us old enough to remember cars with generators can recall the dull red glow of the charge light while sitting at stops...

[CatatonicBug]

Not full output, but usually enough to keep the battery charged if you aren't running everything.

Thanks Steve. That's what I meant.

[foreda]

Generators

Yikes.. I remember generators!! Somebody get me a cane!!!

[XSive Okie]

A car's alternator should always be charging between 13.5 and 16 volts, no matter if at idle or above. What changes with RPM's is the amperage. Most of todays vehicles use 105-120 amp alternators.

[cywelchjr]

Since we are on the subject of lighting/electrical, does the '79 have a "4-way flasher" function? I have yet to figure out where it is.


C Bug-I wish my bike had the auto cancel for turn sigs. My switch is very stiff and sometimes proves difficult to shut off. Usually pushes too far over and turns the other side on! Someday I'll replace the switch.

Just pull that switch apart and clean it out (it likely has old dried grease/lube in it) and put some fresh dielectric grease in it and your will be shocked at how much easier it works after that.