An Alternator Clutch Question/Observation

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 4:36 am

Welcome to the site bpass....

Before you start changing expensive components, check all your connectors for tell tale overheating. In any case, clean (burnish) the spades & sockets to remove the resistive patina (oxide.)

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:17 am

alimey4u2 wrote:Welcome to the site bpass....
Before you start changing expensive components, check all your connectors for tell tale overheating. In any case, clean (burnish) the spades & sockets to remove the resistive patina (oxide.)

I agree.

I wouldn't think that a 12,000 mile X would have major issues with the alternator. Electrical connectors on X's are known problem areas.

EMS · Post by **EMS** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 10:30 am

I thought it was a $12,000 CBX

One of these things put together with all "almost brand new parts"

I wouldn't think it to be the alternator either, but he is talking regulator/rectifier. That could well be. Other than checking the resistance between the leads as per shop manual, I have no suggestion for how to check if this is the culprit.

bpass · Post by **bpass** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:22 pm

Sorry missed the mile on the 12,000 mile bike.

The connectors do not look to be overheated, although 1 connector did have corrosion on it. I did clean the connector but have not started the bike yet, surely it's not that simple.

Is there a simple way to get the connectors out of their plastic housings?

On the resistance checking of the regulator/rectifier I am getting a dead short on one where I should have resistance, several opens where there should be resistance and I think I only had 1 reading in range. Of course that is under the assumption that I'm testing correctly, I believe I am, but not positive.

Thanks

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:32 pm

bpass are you using a digital or analog multimeter ?? For definitive testing it should be analog.... Don't ask me why, it's stuck somewhere in the cloud of time....

Yes..... high resistance across terminals can make a huge difference.....

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 5:55 pm

bpass wrote:Is there a simple way to get the connectors out of their plastic housings?

I needed to replace a number of my connectors on a recent restoration. Removed the connectors from the housings with a micro jewlers screw driver. This may not be "the" way to do it and it was labor intensive.

After this same bike was nearly completed, I still had charging problems. Thought it may be a clutch issue. It turned out to be corroded contacts on my main fuse connectors (old style fuse).

bpass · Post by **bpass** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:30 pm

alimey4u2 wrote:bpass are you using a digital or analog multimeter ?? For definitive testing it should be analog.... Don't ask me why, it's stuck somewhere in the cloud of time....

Yes..... high resistance across terminals can make a huge difference.....

I've got an good quality analog meter, I guess I need to go through all the connectors first, then see if I get it to charge.

Thanks for the help!!!

Mike Nixon · Post by **Mike Nixon** » Wed Sep 26, 2007 7:38 pm

Here's a procedure that works well for me.

http://home.earthlink.net/~trinomial/DOHCcharge.html

It is a little complex, but that's only because to be really sure, you absolutlely MUST use a system, and do things in a certain oder according to logic. I believe the method above answers those needs. If you have questions about how to use the Three-Step Method, let me know. On the other hand, if a detailed illustrated book is something you think might work for you, take a look at this...

http://www.motorcycleproject.com/motorc ... ook.html#3

Hope this helps! :)

Bud · Post by **Bud** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:28 pm

If you are asking about removing the terminals from the plastic housing for cleaning purposes you don't have to. You can soak the whole connector in lemon juice with a little salt added to get them clean and then rinse with fresh clean water. Make sure you disconnect the battery first of course.

Chris · Post by **Chris** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:52 pm

Bud wrote:If you are asking about removing the terminals from the plastic housing for cleaning purposes you don't have to. You can soak the whole connector in lemon juice with a little salt added to get them clean and then rinse with fresh clean water. Make sure you disconnect the battery first of course.

I'll give it a try Bud. Thanks.

alimey4u2 · Post by **alimey4u2** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:14 am

I could whisk me up a Margarita whilst I'm waiting......

Good info Bud, Thanks.......

steve murdoch icoa #5322 · Tue Oct 09, 2007 6:53 am

[quote="Bud"]If you are asking about removing the terminals from the plastic housing for cleaning purposes you don't have to. You can soak the whole connector in lemon juice with a little salt added to get them clean and then rinse with fresh clean water. Make sure you disconnect the battery first of course.[/quote]
Just when i thought i could put the nightmare of Tequila abuse away forever somebody had to go and mention lemon and salt. Thanks, Bud.

The International CBX Owners Association

An Alternator Clutch Question/Observation

hmm...