Need suggestions on electrical problem
 

Hi all,
I've got a 98 Super Hawk with 70000 mi . About a yr ago my voltage
would jump to about 16 volts for maybe a mile or so then return to
normal . I have replaced the voltage regulator twice which seems to
work for about a week or so . Now I seem to have a small window of
acceptable voltage . When my voltage jumps up I can sometimes turn
on my high beam to bring the voltage down . If this doesn't work I
turn on my heated grips & this brings it down . If I have my high beam
and heated grips on at the same time my voltage drops to low so I
keep using a combination lights/grips/rpm's to try to keep in the
electrical sweet spot . I have not made any electrical mods in 40000 mi
so I don't think this is my fault . I am thinking of putting in a new stator .
Thanks
Pat

Run Test Diagnostics
 

1st: How are you reading voltage while riding, a volt meter tied to the directly to the battery with a relay or on/off switch, or to some other circuit activated when the ignition is on?

2nd: Have you checked system battery/voltage with an amp meter?

3rd: Have you run the required tests on the alternator (stator/armiture) static (resistance) & running (output)?

4th: How did you determine thr VR/R was bad the last 2 times you replaced it & whose VR/R did you install each time?

First of all welcome aboard...

Are you running the stock '98 regulator that is not finned? if so you may want to buy the later finned style that seems to be more robust and dissipates heat better - I know the '02s and later have finned - not sure what year they changed... I would think if the stator was bad it wouldn't charge at all or would only work intermittantly... I'm leaning towards the regulator/rectifier being the problem part. You can do a search on here and get a ton of info on how to test out the charging system.

Grounded battery, is the battery reading abnormal voltage with the bike off ??

I'm not saying it's not the stator, but Honda's generally have good, reliable stators. Their R/R's on the other hand....:( .

I have a heads up voltage monitor which has been installed for
yrs with good readings . When I started getting abnormal readings
I checked with volt meter which is were I got my actual numbers .
I cheaped out and bought a aftermarket voltage regulator which
seemed OK for a couple of weeks then problem started recurring .
Looked like grease was oozing out of it . I got a free replacement
which wasn't much better . My battery checks fine when not running .
Funny thing during hot summer days doesn't act up but in cold weather
problem is much worse ? Anyone know were to get a voltage regulator
at a good price .
Thanks,
Pat

with a solid state regulator, high output voltage indicates a bad ground on the regulator circuit.

HTH
Tom

Seeping from the R/R is an indication that it is being overheated, likely by to high input voltage... wich is usually caused by bad ground on the R/R... as Tom Blum said...:)

Check the subframe, connecting bolts and ground wire for rust/oxidation (usually there is a small wire with a ring connector)

dont cheap out on rectifiers
 

I worked in a motorcycle shop for years along with my entire life of turning a wrench or two. Believe me when i say,:mad: DO NOT BUY AFTERMARKET REGULATOR RECTIFIERS!!!!!! DO NOT BUY AFTERMARKET REGULATOR RECTIFIERS!!!!!!:mad: DO NOT BUY AFTERMARKET REGULATOR RECTIFIERS!!!!!!:mad: DO NOT BUY AFTERMARKET REGULATOR RECTIFIERS!!!!!!:mad: Im serious. I have seen it plenty of times where they crap out after a few weeks or less and you are stuck with a 50 dollar paper weight. I have seen them burn up ECM's, CDI, Displays, everything. I have also had people say that they have never had any problems and the aftermarket R/R lasted the life of the bike. To me it is not worth it. Im not 100% sure of your problem with out trying to get somereading from differant points on the bike and monitoring it while the bike is running. I am just letting everyone know of my past experiences with the after market electrical components.

sub frame connecting bolts ? OK I'll clean them up . The ground
with the ring on it seemed ok but I'll clean it up again . I do agree
with the ground theory but haven't found problem.....yet ,
Thanks
Pat