voltage across battery while running

[dig dug mx6]

Ok so I got a sweet little voltage/temp/clock meter for my b-day and hooked up on the bike. Shows about 13v when off when running up to 17v. Is this normal to recharge the battery. after a while of driving it does drop down to about 14 14.5 ..

I did double check the volotage with a multi meter with the same results.

 

[cberkeley]

14 to 14.8 would be normal charging rate.

 

[dig dug mx6]

I get 14 while at idle but about 17 when driving it. Sometimes it does drop to 14. Probably the regulator huh?

 

[Billy Ricks]

I get 14 while at idle but about 17 when driving it. Sometimes it does drop to 14. Probably the regulator huh?

Most likely R/R. Have you noticed if the battery gets low more often than it should?

This is Suzuki's R/R test for the 700 but could be applied to any GS R/R.

With the r/r removed from the bike, fins pointing up and terminals facing you, the terminals from left to right will be A, B, C, D, and E.
Negative probe on A and positive on B you should get 6-7.5 ohms.
Negative probe on A and positive on C you should get 6-7.5 ohms.
Negative probe on A and positive on D you should get 6-7.5 ohms.
Negative probe on A and positive on E you should get 50-70 ohms.

Then switch the negative probe to terminal B and place the positive probe on A, C, then D, you should get no reading. Positive on E should read 6-7.5 ohms.

Switch negative probe to C and positive to A, B, then D, you should get no reading. Positive on E should read 6-7.5 ohms.

Switch negative probe to D and positive to A, B, then C, you should get no reading. Positive on E should read 6-7.5 ohms.

Switch negative probe to E, positive to A, B, C, and D should give no reading.

The numbers have to be within range. It doesn't take much of an out of range reading to lead to the wrong output.

 

[dig dug mx6]

actually the battery hasn't been low all year. but I wll test tonight

 

[Billy Ricks]

actually the battery hasn't been low all year. but I wll test tonight

I meant the electrolyte level. Maybe you knew that. With the high charging rate you can boil the battery dry on one long ride.

 

[dig dug mx6]

I'll check the levels tonight. I thought you meant voltage on the battery.


If it is the r/r where is the cheapest and best place to get one.

 

[Billy Ricks]

I'll check the levels tonight. I thought you meant voltage on the batter.


If it is the r/r where is the cheapest and best place to get one.

Ebay, and do the Honda mod. I can give you links to a couple of them on Ebay that are going for under $30 with shipping. I've been watching them for a guy I've been helping get an 1150 trustworthy. They have the Buy It Now option so there wouldn't be any waiting for the end of the auction.

 

[dig dug mx6]

WHat exactly is the Honda mod? $30 sounds better than the $90 I am finding them for

 

[Billy Ricks]

WHat exactly is the Honda mod? $30 sounds better than the $90 I am finding them for

Most guys here use early '80s Honda regulators on their bikes when the stocker goes bad. The only difference is they have a sensor wire that had to be hooked up to the tail light wire or some other switched source. You could probably adapt one from newer bikes as well. This thread will help you make the right choice.
http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=83313
The early 80's Honda 400, 450, and 500 models had the R/R you need to look for.

 

[dig dug mx6]

Billy if you don;t mind posting the links for those e-bay auction it would save me the searching

 

[Billy Ricks]

Here are two.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4599299136&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4602589637&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

 

[dig dug mx6]

THanks your the best

 

[Jethro]

Remember when checking your battery that <12.7 volts is a charged battery, >12.5 is 50% discharged and anything below 12.3 is completely dead. I learned that recently...

 

[Billy Ricks]

THanks your the best

The second listing is cheaper by the time you include postage.

 

[dig dug mx6]

what if i get nothing while checking the resistance????

 

[cberkeley]

what if i get nothing while checking the resistance????

An infinite reading would be indicative of an open circuit. Zero on the other hand, would indicate a dead short.

 

[dig dug mx6]

I was checking the test procedures in the manual and since it basically diodes You should get contitnuity one way and not the other. I am getting nothing either way..

Not to be an Idiot but it is the box with the fins and a 5 wire hookup on it right? hung upside down in front of the battery

 

[Billy Ricks]

I was checking the test procedures in the manual and since it basically diodes You should get contitnuity one way and not the other. I am getting nothing either way..

Not to be an Idiot but it is the box with the fins and a 5 wire hookup on it right? hung upside down in front of the battery

Yes, and make sure the probes are placed as the test procedure specifies. Negative and positive probes have to be where the test specs.

 

[dig dug mx6]

fllowing the test exactly and nothing showing infinate resistance. like it's an open ciruit on all test. Sometimes and occassinal 100 something will pop then go back to infinate. When I use the diode test I am getting a response though .508 .504 .514 then .937 but it's been over 15 years since I knew what that meant

One more thing WHat damage besides to the battery whould I cause driving it with 17volts going to the battery