Had my first ride today on the rebuild, engine fine. Clutch dragging. I have fitted a new Motobatt 11.OAH Battery. How can I tell if the Zener Diode, the solid state rectifier and alternator are all functioning as they should. My new brakes are rubbish ;D
i would have thought a meter across battery when running would tell you, put lights etc on and give it a rev and check voltage.
It's much better to put an ammeter between the battery and it's output lead so you can measure the charge current (+ve or -ve), with and without the lights on. With the lights off, you should get about 14.5V across the battery as you rev the engine depending on what Zener diode is fitted.
would the ammeter fitted in headlight not tell you that anyway?
the voltage across battery will tell you if regulator and zener diode are functioning to an extent.
;)
It's easier if an ammeter is already fitted! It will tell you whether the battery is charging with both the lights off and the lights are on. When you rev the engine in both cases you should get a healthy charge if everything is working ok. If you also check that the battery voltage doesn't go above about 14.5V that will tell you the Zener diodes is also working ok.
It's quite simple really. You point the bike at the shed wall and switch the headlight on. Rev the engine and the headlight brightens. Drop the revs to tickover and it dulls a bit. No ammeter needed.
Hi,
I use one of these for fault finding and reassurance:
https://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/tools-workshop/electrical-system-testing-diagnostic-tools/sealey-clip-on-ammeter-30-0-30amp-bt98-10
I believe you can find them cheaper eslewhere.
Best wishes...
Quote from: STAR TWIN on 01 Jun, 2018, 22:25
It's quite simple really. You point the bike at the shed wall and switch the headlight on. Rev the engine and the headlight brightens. Drop the revs to tickover and it dulls a bit. No ammeter needed.
It might be a little easier using the ammeter mounted on the headlight shell - that's what its there for :)
No ammeter on OIF A65 headlight shell.
If you have a multimeter switch it to voltage and clip to the battery. Should show 12.5 v as the Battery is new and charged up. Start the engine and rev to 3000-3500 revs and the voltage should go up to around 14.5v . Switch the lights on and it should still peak at 14.5v. If i goes higher then the zenor is suspect. If it doesnt get there then check the alternator connections.
Aternatively there are cheap Draper battery checking gizmos that have a string of led's which light up as the voltage increases.
Thanks lads. ;D