Alternator

[fallenmikethebike]

The three yellow wires that go to the reg/rec ,would i be right in assuming that they should all be seperate circuits .
Applying a multi tester to these wires a the connector block gives me circuit between all three wires , where as testing the other way , ie down to the reg/rec they are all distinct circuits , so i assume the wires are shorting out on the alternator , which is why i have no power at , not even an ignition light.
Yet it still hasn't really let me down as i did finish the O/K Supreme LDT at the weekend with no problems .
Regards Mike

[Jonorow]

the three wire are there because it is a 3 pase alternator, which is then converted in the reg/rec.they should all be separate yes. but i would have thought that the bike wouldnt run if there was nothing going through them.? is your capacitor shot as that will kill all your lights.
Jon

[kernow krusty]

Hi Mike,
Be aware that the windings on the alternator coil will have a very low resistance which will probably show as a short circuit on a standard meter. The best test is to leave the yellow wires disconnected, then, with the meter set to AC, range 200v, start the bike and carefully attach one probe to a yellow wire and the other to the engine casing. At tickover you should see an AC voltage on the meter. Be aware that if you rev it up, the volts will rise, maybe up to 30 or 40v, which might give you a slight tickle! At tickover Id expect to see 6-14v AC, maybe a bit more. Repeat this for each yellow wire. Dont let the bare ends of yellow wires touch. If each one shows an AC voltage, Id say your alternator was OK.
Have a good sniff round the alternator. A knackered one will have a distinct 'cooked' smell to it.
The MK2 wiring diagram shows ignition coils seperate to the lighting coil, so its possible that you could have sparks and no lights.
Hope this helps.
KK

[fallenmikethebike]

Thanks Tony' the bike just suddenly lost all it's electrickery , no spark, lights , nadda , so this being the second time it had done it , and on this occasion luckily it was on the driveway at home , i thought i wont risk getting caught out with it again .
Yes when i took the cover off there was a distinct acrid / burnt smell , so i deduced a shot alternator .
Hopefully my hunch is correct as , it is now winging it's way to WEST COUNTRY WINDINGS who now incidentally trade out of
Harlow Essex
Tony' i will give you a shout later ' as the night train rips through Liskeard ,me and the trouble are off for a long weekend in the Scilly Isles , she's not so green as i am cabbage looking , when i suggested a long weekend away that was the first place she wanted to go , something about a ferry and that chuffing was also mentioned .
Hells Bells it's only every other weekend or so i go out for poodle about .
Regards Mike

[kernow krusty]

Hi Mike,
Ahh, there you go! Westcountry Windings used to be in Plymouth. I dropped in on them a cpl times - top guys who know what they are doing.
Have a good trip, went Scilly earlier this year as a surprise 40th bday trip, with some friends. Had a great time. Going on the Scillonian??
Its safe, I only surveyed it earlier this year and we fitted a new radar on it!
Laterz
KK

[fallenmikethebike]

Hi Mike,
Ahh, there you go! Westcountry Windings used to be in Plymouth. I dropped in on them a cpl times - top guys who know what they are doing.
Have a good trip, went Scilly earlier this year as a surprise 40th bday trip, with some friends. Had a great time. Going on the Scillonian??
Its safe, I only surveyed it earlier this year and we fitted a new radar on it!
Laterz
KK

Yes mate , we flew over last year but thought we would try the ferry this time .I have heard that as long as you can stand the diesel and vomit smell it's o/k .
I will be holding you personally responsible then if it all goes tits up ,and i end up swimming .
I have to admit my only water borne experience was a trip round Bournemouth Harbour and i felt quite bilious after that so 2and a half hours of Atlantic swell is goingto be entertaining to say the least .
Do the crew take offence if you sit there with a rubber ring on
Regards Mike

[kernow krusty]

Err...ohh...dear..... fraid the trip is well known for its dieting ability.. you end about about 2lbs lighter and also knowing what everyone else has had for tea!
Hmmm..good luck!
Hey, if them Chalfont St Giles are playing you up, sod 'em, you sit there on yer rubber ring...
KK

Yes mate , we flew over last year
but thought we would try the ferry this time .I have heard that as long as you can stand the diesel and vomit smell it's o/k .
I will be holding you personally responsible then if it all goes tits up ,and i end up swimming .
I have to admit my only water borne experience was a trip round Bournemouth Harbour and i felt quite bilious after that so 2and a half hours of Atlantic swell is goingto be entertaining to say the least .
Do the crew take offence if you sit there with a rubber ring on
Regards Mike[/quote]

[fallenmikethebike]

Have you been away? wev'e missed your sartorial wit off late .
Is the MK2 nearly fettled yet ?

[kernow krusty]

Just been busy with work...and the poor CRM has been neglected. Hoping to rectify that over the next month.

[fallenmikethebike]

O/K spoke to the very helpful guy at WEST COUNTRY WINDINGS who said the Alternator showed signs of overheating at some point' so it has been rewound and hopefully cures the problem .
The cost of the rewind inc VAT and Del was £99 so not a disaster , but unfortunate none the less .
And , no reversal of breaky on the Scillonian at the weekend , plus absolutely brilliant weather for the three days we were there .
Whilst i still think it is beautiful place to visit , i am somewhat intrigued as to where it's future lies , as it seems to be now peopled on the smaller islands by a band of non native hedonistic , ner, do wells ,and hooray henry's , who have allowed ,non native plants to take over some of the small islands , and are actually destroying the the ancient stone walls , and rapidly encroaching onto the once hard won and neatly tilled small fields .Are there any indigenous Scillonians left on the outer islands ?sad truth is i expect it's only the city bean counter types who can afford Dutchy appraisals of the land and house values for some one who blows long and hard about sustainable practices , there's little evidence of it on his profit and loss ledger , that's it rant over , for now .
Regards Mike