electrical gremlins are plaguing me

[cbxtacy]

I run my wire wheeled CBX. Turn it off with the key and it keeps on running. When the key is on and the bikes running, the volt meter reads normal. When the key is off and the bike is running, the volt meter reads real high when you rev the engine. When I put the alternator on the bike that does not work, the meter reads about 10.5 volts while running and the key will turn the engine off. Sounds like ignition switch to me, anyone else got any other ideas?

[EMS]

Are you plugging into the right connections when you put the Kawa alternator on?

[Don]

Sounds like ignition switch to me, anyone else got any other ideas?

I think an incorrectly wired aftermarket alternator is a much more likely cause

Don

[cbxtacy]

Kawi alternator works great on my 82. Good to have spare CBX's to swap out parts to check out systems. I don't have another early ignition switch to swap out. I'm figuring switch or wiring harness. Hoping switch.

[Terry]

"When I put the alternator on the bike that does not work, the meter reads about 10.5 volts while running and the key will turn the engine off. Sounds like ignition switch to me"

I don't see how you came to that conclusion since a different alternator seems to have caused some sort of change but, when mine went out it just went OUT. No starting at all. Had no problem turning it off, did that w/o any help. Good luck! I think I have a new lower portion of the switch somewhere. The upper half is what went south on mine.

[Dave Hansen]

If you have Gremlins, don't let them get wet.

[cbxtacy]

I'm confusing. I have an alternator that does not work. When I put that one on the bike, and turn the bike off with the key, the bike turns off. When I put an alternator that works on the bike and turn the bike off with the key, the bike keeps on running and shows lotsa volts when revved a little. When I put the alternator on another bike, everything works properly so it's not in the alternator.

[EMS]

The only thing that would make sense is, that it is in the wiring between the alternator and the rest of the bike. The reason you don't see the problem with the bad alternator, is because the alternator is bad and doesn't put any charge into the system. The working one does and with the faulty wiring, it creates the problem. Do you have a third alternator - preferably a stock one - to try?

[cbxtacy]

I tried 4 Kawi alternators on my bike. I tried them on my 82 also. On the 82 the engine does not run on when I turn the switch off. I'm hoping it's the ignition switch on the 79. Otherwise it's wire harness time.

[new shorty]

George,

It must be the ignition switch.

You may want to test for continuity between the black and Light blue/ black wires on the switch, with the ignition switched off.
The connection between those, and the red wire will most likely be open, which means that the battery is not connected to the switch at that moment.
Which in its turn is an explanation for the voltage to rise too high, the battery also is a stabilizing element in the total electrical business on the bike.


Good Luck,


Joost

[cbxtacy]

That's what I figured New shorty. I have a new (Emgo) base and a new (Emgo) switch (complete) coming. Whichever gets here first I'll try. I figured switch or harness. I have spare harness' but they will have to be modified (wires eliminated) because that bike has a Kaw alternator and Dyna ignition. Switch is easiest repair, hope that's it.

[new shorty]

Hey George,

since I read your story about the Duck, I figure you must have been able to overcome the problem with your Gremlins. Am I right, or do you need some more help to chase them away?

[cbxtacy]

Gremlins killed the duck. More on the Gremlins later. It's San Diego, the weathers beautiful, and I'm going riding.

[alimey4u2]

Electrical gremlins are plaguing me too, just lost the "muther" board on my main PC. That will be two HP's up in the attic now. Nice man is building me a Monthster as we speak....

Still got my lapto.....

[alimey4u2]

...op working though....