nomad007
XS650 Addict
I tried the headlight unplug on a whim before I did that
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Charging Issues. -1980 xs650 special-help
- Thread starter nomad007
- Start date
Use the reply button please. Too much cross talk to know what's being referenced.
Before you did what?
nomad007
XS650 Addict
I did this:
just the regulator -- the eBay stator is on there and I kind of feel like I should not mess with it - can I just take the braket in photo out and run wires under there for eBay one that is installed or do you think I should put original back on also old regulator is plugged in but not installed kind of hoping to plug new one since it is installed on bike in and try but I will do what ever you suggest - oh and I borrowed that battery - so eventually I will have to give it back- but right now it seems good correct just missing headlight indicator- now I am scared to breathe on it
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If the original is the one in the photo that's still routed behind the sprocket, then yeah, reinstall it and see if it works too. That would be easier than routing the Ebay one.
I'd run the one that's connected... the original. I've never trusted Mikes Chinese reg/rec.
Exactly what indicator are you talking about, the high beam indicator or the headlight fail indicator?
nomad007
XS650 Addict
I may have missed a post along the way but I'm still not clear on whether the Yellow Wire is hooked up. Some of those eBay stators don't have the yellow wire which may shed some light on the Headlight problem. @nomad007 is there a Yellow wire on the eBay stator? If yes, have you been hooking it up during these tests? That Yellow wire is crucial to make you headlight work unless wiring has been changed to bypass it.
This is the third time I've asked... exactly what light or lights are you referring to?
Don't just hope, install a voltmeter so you can keep an eye on it.
Have a read here...
https://www.xs650.com/threads/voltmeter-installation.58336/
nomad007
XS650 Addict
well she seems to be working - charges original - stator - regulator - battery - all zipped up did a test drive. charging - headlight works hi and lo - just that middle light that use to come on when I turned key to on and was yellow now never comes on - but hey I can live with that- Thanks yiyu so much for everything JIM!
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That light comes on when there's a headlight failure. In other words, out is what you want. That's a good thing.
Glad you got it going. You gonna add a voltmeter?
Glad you got it going. You gonna add a voltmeter?
nomad007
XS650 Addict
well that makes a lot of sense about the light - well awesome - Jim you fixed it ! Yes a volt meter seems like a must on these - where is the best place to hook into for that for wiring? I suppose there is a thread i can look up. In hindsight it seems like the rotor was bad and the Mikes XS new rectifier was bad and since I am a novice I was chasing my tail. Thank you again for your patience - you are a saint - If you ever need anything in Orlando let me know and thanks eveyone else too Niels Dave everyone!
Your welcome. I left a link a few comments back for the voltmeter.
I changed your thread title to " charging issues." Makes it easier to find when someone searches for charging problems.
Bob Wegman
XS650 Addict
Well done, Jim. Great thread.
On a Special, the best place to hook a voltmeter into is the brown switched power wire coming out of the ignition switch. Any other spot will be going through multiple splits and two fuses, and you'll lose a few tenths of a volt at least on your reading. I "mod" the plug on my ignition switch plate, adding a pigtail off the brown wire specifically for my voltmeter .....
This involves pulling the crimps out of the plug .....
Then the crimp is cut off the brown wire, pigtail added, and new crimp installed .....
The final step is bending the little lock tabs back out on the crimps so they "snap" in and lock back into the plug .....
And the finished product ......
This involves pulling the crimps out of the plug .....
Then the crimp is cut off the brown wire, pigtail added, and new crimp installed .....
The final step is bending the little lock tabs back out on the crimps so they "snap" in and lock back into the plug .....
And the finished product ......
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nomad007
XS650 Addict
Hi Jim Happy Sunday - I attempted my 80 mile ride today- got ethanol free gas at Wawa about 10 miles away and while leaving in 1st and 2nd I had sluggish power and backfires it would eventually catch and take off in 3rd and I could get up to hi way speed but every red light same thing sluggish than hang on to handle bars. I am working all the gremlins out . It is still charging. I also months ago thought I had a flat tire . The swing arm bolt broke at the threaded nut end and had come out 5 inches to my left foot. That ws a little scary but fixed now. So are there any more known ccmmon issues I should look out for ? As for this issue I think it may be the coil. I could not get the secondary to measure anything but ol on both spark plug connectors. Also I have never messed with the carbs yet as its has always stated right up and idled fine. Yes it also idled fine today while this was happening. So I attached pics of the meter and of another project I am working on. Don't feel the need to respond today - enjoy your Sunday and Thanks for all the great advice. Also my meters resistance is .3 so I guess it is measuring at 2.4
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No worries about it being Sunday...
Look at your meter. You're trying to measure 10-15KΩ on the 2K scale. You always pick a scale large enough for the job. When in doubt, bump the scale up to see if you get a reading.
If that's the original coil, it wouldn't hurt to replace it with a Honda MP08 coil.... a used one off Ebay and not the Chinese repops out there. In a bit of irony, exactly the coil your Gold Wing has... 'cept it has 2 of 'em. They're great coils. I run one in my '80SG. Might be the cause of your problem, but there's another...
Another thing the Mikes Chinese rotor you have has a known issue for is messing with the TCI. And your symptoms of stumbling at low rev's are similar. It's an easy one to troubleshoot.
1. take a quick ride around the block to verify you still have the symptoms.
2. Make sure the battery has a good charge.
3. Disconnect the reg/rec.
4. Take her for a spin and see if that fixes the problem.
5. Let us know if there's any change.
If that doesn't turn up anything, I'd try a fresh set of plugs next... and replace the caps, but we'll cross that bridge when we get there... there's some snakes to look for.
Nice early Gold Wing!! I think they make for a good cafe project.
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