Not charging

[nobackhair]

Bike is 78 Special. Wouldn't start. I went thru the bike but didnt check the digital ignition set up. Have been using Boyer Bransden ignition for awhile. Ignition unit got beat to death rattling against frame according to a mechanic I used because I gave up. He replaced w/ same set up. I was going to replace w/ Pamco but he had already bought and installed it w/ what was there. So now I'm sure alternator is going since it's not charging (new battery). So I wan't to keep the B.B. ignition and get whatever I need to replace to optimize electrical. I kick start only and I want to eliminate as much as possible and just have lights. Getting rid of stock harness. Want minimun wiring. I realize I still have to keep battery. Still want to keep speedo and tach. Am I asking to much? I'm guessing here but I think I just need to get altenator and rectifier (Pamco).

 

[retiredgentleman]

Bike is 78 Special. Wouldn't start. I went thru the bike but didnt check the digital ignition set up. Have been using Boyer Bransden ignition for awhile. Ignition unit got beat to death rattling against frame according to a mechanic I used because I gave up. He replaced w/ same set up. I was going to replace w/ Pamco but he had already bought and installed it w/ what was there. So now I'm sure alternator is going since it's not charging (new battery). So I wan't to keep the B.B. ignition and get whatever I need to replace to optimize electrical. I kick start only and I want to eliminate as much as possible and just have lights. Getting rid of stock harness. Want minimun wiring. I realize I still have to keep battery. Still want to keep speedo and tach. Am I asking to much? I'm guessing here but I think I just need to get altenator and rectifier (Pamco).

First thing...................alternator and rectifier have nothing to do with a Pamco. A pamco is an ignition system and a very good one.

I would recommend you remove both brushes and check that they are at least 3/8"long. While they are out measure the rotor resistance from slip ring to slip ring............needs to be 5 to 6 ohms approximately. Measure resistance from either slip ring to the rotor frame..............its needs to be very high resistance (infinity).

If the rotor and brushes are good, then its a good time to replace the old stock rectifier and regulator. Here's a link that goes into details:
http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21485

 

[nobackhair]

Thank you and thank you.