Charging Problem, I think

[Revbang]

Here's what's happened the last few days. The ampmeter was jumping around quite a bit. I could hear the little box on the fender well right next to the glass fuel filter (voltage regulator?) making clicking sounds. It sounded like microwave popcorn nearing the end of its cycle. Last night I was thinking my headlights looked a bit dim. Today I notice that my amp meter is not jumping around, only resting midway into the minus zone. Belt looks tight, all wires hooked up. What do you suppose is going on all you long distance diagnoticians? Thanks, Mark

[S Allen]

I will put my three cents in on this one. Do you have a volt meter? Go buy one if you do not. It is best to take some readings to check actual voltage. If you battery is fully charged it should read some where around 13.2V. With engine running-hand throttle to around 2500 RPMs you should get some where around 14.2V. Turn the lights on and the voltage should drop off a bit but not to 13.2V. The ammeter should always show a slight charge with the engine running with an intermittent blip to the negative when say you turn on the lights. A steady discharge with the engine running indicates a charging system problem. I would venture to say your voltage regulator has gone south as it was making a racket. It could be the alternator too! Good luck. Any one else??

Steve

[Minh]

I believe Harbor Freight Tools has a 1 month sale this month where one of the items on sale is, low an behold, a voltmeter. I forget the price it is $9.95 or $19.95. I think it is around the $9.95 ball park.