just a quick question

[freak_leg]

So I've had the bike on the road for about 2 weeks now. Just went out to go to the store, and the battery is DEAD! I know the battery should be replaced but its been working fine. So I jump started it, and every time I pulled the jump cable off it would die. I assume because there isnt enough juice coming from the generator. When it was running only one coil was working. I know because only the middle 2 pipes were hot after running for a min. So my question is if there isnt enough juice running would this cause only one coil to work or do i need to chase down some wires? I've got it sitting on the charger now and I'll see what happens tonight.

[bikerphil]

A weak battery will cause all kinds of wierd electrical problems. Check your charging system, make sure it's pushing at least 13.5 volts at 4000 RPM.

[freak_leg]

here is another question that has probably been beaten to death, but since we're on the topic. How can I upgrade the charging system? I think the later Xs's had an alternator style charging system. Can this easily replace the generator style set-up on my bike? I'm not draining that much power. I've only got a head light, tail light and gauges. So I know the stock set up should be good enough but I'd rather have too much than not enough. Also, is there a lot of molesting involved in using GM coils on these bikes?

Sorry to beat a dead horse but atleast I'm not asking about oil and tires...

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Freak,

The XS charging system IS an ALT, it's just a brushless type. The XJ switched to brushed which helps it make a few more amps. The charging system barely puts out enough to run the bike and it's STOCK components, ie. light, turns, brake lights, etc.. But it needs to be proper functioning order to do this. A weak/dying battery, or a damaged ALT or REG/RECT can also cause problems like this. And yes, when the battery voltage drops below 10.5, the TCI cuts out. Lack of voltage also can make ignition coils weak in their spark power.

Can't help you with the GM coils, a search of the disc. threads might reveal more info..I think I remember it being talked about.

T.C.

[freak_leg]

Well gentlemen, the curse of Elanor strikes again. I left the bike on the charger, celebrated my country by blowing up a chunk of it, came home to a fully charged battery. I pushed the start button and I've only got one plug firing. Oddly enough its the hole that previously was running cold... So it looks like tomorrow after work I'll be chasing some wires. Wish me luck. Any advise??
(atleast this time it didn't die with a full tank of fuel like last time)



Isn't it funny how a quick question can turn into such a cluster F***?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Freak,

A dead/dying battery can cause the charging sytem to not work right. Put a voltmeter across the battery when you're trying to start it, and see what it shows. Again, if dipping near 10.5 or so, then the battery may be able to hold a surface charge, but not a strong deep charge....getting it load tested would be a good thing. Also, jump a car battery to it with car turned off, and try starting and see if it will run and hit on all 4. If so, then it's definitely a weak/dying battery. With the jumped battery and bike running on all 4, then you can test the charging system..what volts do you see at 2500+ rpm?

Good Luck.
T.C.

[freak_leg]

Hey Freak,

A dead/dying battery can cause the charging sytem to not work right. Put a voltmeter across the battery when you're trying to start it, and see what it shows. Again, if dipping near 10.5 or so, then the battery may be able to hold a surface charge, but not a strong deep charge....getting it load tested would be a good thing. Also, jump a car battery to it with car turned off, and try starting and see if it will run and hit on all 4. If so, then it's definitely a weak/dying battery. With the jumped battery and bike running on all 4, then you can test the charging system..what volts do you see at 2500+ rpm?

Good Luck.
T.C.

Jumped to a car made no difference, Running on one hole. Not sure on my voltage. It seems my kids were testing the something with my meter and left it on... I wonder if my smoke alarms have a 9v backup...