Expanded charging system guide (In progress)

[Its been a long time]

I have not been able to get consistent readings using the multimeter I borrowed. Mostly, it doesn't stop on a number but continues displaying random numbers. When I have gotten it to stop I'm getting anything from 3.5 to about 5.5. Also, I'm not sure I'm doing it right. The idea is to place the leads with one on each ring? Does it matter where on the ring the leads are placed? I notice it's considerably shinier in the area where the brushes make contact.

You're doing it right. I'd be tempted to call that good.

 

[gggGary]

place the leads (anywhere on the rings) You are measuring the electrical coils wrapped around the cores behind them not the rings themselves which are nearly zero resistance. Let the multimeter settle. This "low ohms' measurement taxes weak multimeter batteries.
cough
Buy your own multimeter.
look behind the rings where the coil leads are soldered to the ring, sometimes this soldered fitting has broken free (intermittent)

Some examples of good vs bad rotors.


A bad rotor doesn't always reveal itself visually. But black bubbly varnish is never a good sign.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2084874897344671907

 

[Its been a long time]

Yes, I'll echo the "buy your own multimeter ". Owning an old motorcycle, it's an essential tool. One that you're going to use daily until the bike is reliable. Then you'll probably use it every week or so. And these days, a half decent meter isn't really expensive.

 

[Wagner73]

Gary, I do not seem to have anything wired B-R-G-W-W-W . Maybe I don't know what the reg/rec looks like. Here's what I think it is but, as you can see, the wiring is not as depicted in your rectifier/regulator illustration.

That appears to be your starter solenoid.

 

[bul_racer]

You're doing it right. I'd be tempted to call that goo

place the leads (anywhere on the rings) You are measuring the electrical coils wrapped around the cores behind them not the rings themselves which are nearly zero resistance. Let the multimeter settle. This "low ohms' measurement taxes weak multimeter batteries.
cough
Buy your own multimeter.
look behind the rings where the coil leads are soldered to the ring, sometimes this soldered fitting has broken free (intermittent)
View attachment 375377
Some examples of good vs bad rotors.
View attachment 375378
View attachment 375379
A bad rotor doesn't always reveal itself visually. But black bubbly varnish is never a good sign.

https://twitter.com/x/status/2084874897344671907

 

[bul_racer]

Thanks Gary, and thanks for the Feynman clip. It's wonderful, hysterical and he's a bit of a smart ass but it illustrates the point that we're all, on various levels, trying to understand the universe and our relationship with it. Personally, the more I learn, the less I know.

As for the multimeter: I do plan to get one of my own. It just happens that I mentioned to my neighbor that mine broke and he volunteered a spare that he had. I think it doesn't meet my needs but I don't live very close to a place where I can get one so I haven't yet made that trip. Very soon though.

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and expertise. I will try to put it to good use.

 

[gggGary]

a spare that he had

Check what batteries it needs if they are cheap, try new ones.

 

[bul_racer]

Check what batteries it needs if they are cheap, try new ones.

I tested the batteries and they are good.