question about lighting

[bobnchgo]

I recently aquired my 1980 XS 11 midnight special. although I was able to fix many problems this one has me baffled. Any advice would be appreciated. The problem is this. Every now and then my headlight, tach light, and speedometer light go out for anywhere from a second to up to a minute. This happens for no apparent reason. I have replaced the headlight relay, reserve lighting unit, and fuse box. Its still happening.
Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks from a new member and a new xs owner.

Bob

[dragxs11]

An electrical diagram will show that these devices have a couple other things in common. I've had stator coil issues of my own making, that have created a similar problem. I suspect either the rectifier, or the stator coil. Take off the right engine cover and inspect the stator coil to ensure that it hasn't been loose or rubbing. It sounds like you may likely have a loose or broken wire from down there too. Intermittent problems are the hardest to track, so patience and/or beer may be needed.

[sixtysix]

Could also be a grounding problem, but I am not looking at a print, I would clean, check and reseat all connections in the headlight bucket first. Then look for a bad ground.

[dragxs11]

I agree gary, that makes as much, or more, sense.

[skids]

Re: question about lighting

Bob, I wonder if the contacts in the key switch are bad?

Originally posted by bobnchgo
Every now and then my headlight, tach light, and speedometer light go out for anywhere from a second to up to a minute. This happens for no apparent reason. I have replaced the headlight relay, reserve lighting unit, and fuse box. Its still happening.

Bob

[graybird78]

LIGHTS

Sounds like problem iv'e been having with my 80 SG.my problem was in bad connection in fuse box with lighting fuse.looked ok till i started tuggin on wires to fuse then lights would go out .fixed connection now ok.may or may not be your problem.just cuz it looks ok does'nt mean it is.I hate wiring problems

[bobnchgo]

Thanks for all the help, here was the problem.
After replacing the stator (which probably needed replacing) and the fuse box, which was particially melted from a hot fuse. The battery was dry. After replacing the battery, which would not hold a charge any longer, the bike started and now runs fine.
I appreciate everyones feed back and I hope that I can assist in the future.

Thanks again and happy days are here again.


Bob