| Author | Message | ||
     Jhuppdog |
I am having electrical charging issues with my 2001 X1 and have been reading about making sure the voltage regulator is grounded properly. I have done some preliminary diagnostics so far but I am having a couple friends help me work my way through the charging system tests in the service manual this evening. My question is this. The only ground that I see for the voltage regulator is the small black wire that connects to a screw on the back of the regulator and then runs up to the top of the frame behind the fuel tank. Is there another way that the voltage regulator is grounded that I am missing. The service manual says to place your multimeter probe on the regulators base plate. Do I need to look at the base plate somehow to make sure that is grounded? ANy help on the subject is greatly appreciated. | ||
| Imaposer2 |
Just beginning to learn these bikes myself so I can't be of much help. But, there is some electrical troubleshooting info about half way down this page that might offer some helpful tips and/or ideas: http://www.saintjohn.nbcc.nb.ca/Marriott/x1/ | ||
| Robr |
The voltage regulator is grounded through its housing to the engine and the frame which are bonded to the negative battery terminal. Use emery cloth, star washers and dielectric grease to make sure you get a good ground. | ||
| Jhuppdog |
Robr Do I sand the metal base that the voltage regulator mounts to or do I sand something else? | ||
| Reepicheep |
you want all shiny clean bits connected to other shiny clean bits all along the path the current is expected to flow. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Years ago when I did the S1's battery/VR relocate: There are star washers that are bolted between the frame and the regulator. The diameter of the star washers is all that needs to be sanded. http://www.mcmaster.com/#star-washers/=hlpk43 | ||
| Jhuppdog |
From all the testing that I did last night it looks like my voltage regulator needs to be replaced. The voltage regulator bleed test showed power. The milliampere draw test passed. The stator showed no continuity. The resistance across the stator socket read 0.2 ohms With the engine running at 2000 rpm the AC output was between 38-52 volts AC. I checked the ground at the voltage regulator and the base plate read the same ground as everything else I checked. Now the question is, Is the voltage regulator from Harley the best one to buy or is there better one out there that I should look at? | ||
| Robr |
I would stay with the Harley or perhaps Dyna, which I believe makes the Harley. Stay away from Accel. | ||
| Jramsey |
"Now the question is, Is the voltage regulator from Harley the best one to buy or is there better one out there that I should look at?" Buy an aftermarket regulator for a '94-'03 Sportster and clip the Sportster weatherpack connector off the battery lead and install a bullet connector (the stator connector is the same) and save about $40 over the H-D, Buell price, did this on my S3 a couple months back an everything works fine. BTW, when I called my local dealer they told me the reg for the Buell/Sportster was now an obsolete part and they would have to order me an aftermarket one ........go figure. | ||
| Ltbuell |
I've seen some on fleabay from time to time(even new ones).Just a thought. | ||
| Jhuppdog |
I called the local Buell dealer and they informed me that the part was obsolete but they gave me a new part number for it. They did not mention anything about it being an aftermarket one. I do not have the updated part number with me but if anyone needs it I can post it up later. They said a new one is around $100. I have checked out ebay but most of the used ones look like they are in pretty rough shape. Jramsey - for some reason when I just did a quick search for the '94-'03 sportster ones I did not see any. I saw ones for earlier and later sportsters but not the years you said. I will have to look a little bit harder this evening when I get home. Worst case scenario I will just order one from Harley. | ||
| Jramsey |
Mine was $65 shipped to my door from Dennis Kirk. Part # 20-9243 (Message edited by Jramsey on May 21, 2012) | ||
| Jhuppdog |
Jramsey I have found one other one at Dennis Kirk. Part #H21765 it is made by Mid USA and would be about $57 shipped. The one you bought is a Drag Specialties Acel. DO you think it matters? Has anyone had issues with either of the regulators that I mentioned. The regulator from harley would be $125. The new part number is Y0302.F | ||
| Jhuppdog |
I bought the new voltage regulator that Jramsey suggested. I was able to install it yesterday and re-test the bike. The charging system seems to be working correctly now with the DC voltage reading 14.15 when the bike is running around 2000 or above. I thought I was going to need to cut off the one connector and install a new bullet connector but all I had to do is break off the plastic shroud around the single wire connector and then plug it in. It looks slightly different then your standard bullet connector but seems to be working fine. Thanks Jramsey for the information saved me some money and everything seems to be working as it should. |
