'83 Tempter restore issue #2 - Charging issue ALMOST fixed..

[headshot]

I have trickle charged the battery

I have replaced the voltage Regulator/Rectifier (with one that charges a bit too high, it's off the parts bike. The original problem was it couldn't hold a charge to let me drive more than 20 minutes without all power lost.)

At least i can drive all day if I want....until I shut the bike down.
Then it can't start again to save my life! Even my Schumacher car charger can't get the bike started. Only trickle-charging the battery will get it started again.

This non-starting problem seems to happen after I've been riding for awhile and the bike is hot. I just can't get the starter to turn. And after 2 attempts, it won't turn over at all.

When I had the old regulator on, it wouldn't hold a charge, and the TURN SIGNALS were the first to go. Then the light, instrument panel and finally the death knoll was the plugs to make it run.

At least with the new regulator even if it does supposedly charge a tad too high (I know the battery will take a beating), I can drive indefinitely with all power working as supposed to.

It's restarting that's the problem.
So, it could be......

-Bad battery
-corroded cables (doubtful since the bike is charging ok while riding...or no?)
-Stator? probably not since again, it's charging while riding
-Starter? But then why does the bike start right up on a full battery but not the portable jumper???

I'm lost and would love some knowledge before I bring it in to another shop to get gouged.

Thanks!!!
-matt

[NorthernPete]

get yourself a new battery. for 60 bucks, you cant really go wrong, its stilol cheaper then shop rate, and even if its not the problem, a new battery is allways a good thing.

[xsyamahadg]

I'm with Pete, I suspect the battery, but to make sure, you ought to have it load tested. Put a full charge on it and take it to a good auto parts store and have them check it for you. I have been buying Champion batterys from Auto Zone for my old XS650s and they are half the price of the dealer. I get about 3-4 years out of a Champion acid battery. The old 650s are tough on batterys. Check out the battery.

[headshot]

After I've done more research, particularly on a Tempter forum, I found that there are major issues with R/R 's. In my case, most likely, the extra output f rom the R/R is cooking the battery, and prevents it from being functional when hot.

I should know this from 3 ways...

A - If it refuses to start again when hot, let it cool!

(that's the easy one)

B - use my new Craftsman shiny $10 Multimeter to run thru the various tests that can be done.

Ironically, it looks like I can either get a new one for $150, or get a used Honda version that does the same thing, on Ebay, for $10.

[storysunfolding]

How is that ironic?

[headshot]

That by going the unconventional route you can get one for prcactically nothing because there isn't much demand compared tosomething that is a widely known flaw, ie- the 70's-80's Suz. charging systems.

OK, I'll use the word "uncanny"

[storysunfolding]

... it's not really uncanny either, but don't believe me, check any dictionary.


Anyway- good luck on the project.