Input on a charging issue

[charlesincharge09]

I just built a 1979 xs650. I made my own harness, I have stock ignition and alternator. The regulator and rectifier are seperate. It is kick only with a tail light and head light. I am running a 12v 3.9amp battery. It isn't holding a charge and will die. I unplugged the lights and tried it again and is still dieing. Any input would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Detale]

I don't know much but I'd lean towards a bad stator, no? Have you checked the voltage coming from it? Could also be a bad battery, how old is it?

 

[charlesincharge09]

battery is brand new. electrical is not my thing and am about ready to outsource :/

 

[bergoff]

Check your brushes and ohms on your stator. If your brushes are to short it won't charge your battery.

 

[charlesincharge09]

What is the best way to go About that? I have a multimeter and am clueless to how to use it to check anything, don't laugh please lol

 

[bergoff]

http://www.xs650.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10561

They are actually not to hard to work on. It the tech section there are some great write ups that will help you a lot. When I first got my 2nd xs650 it helped me a lot.

 

[Derek]

Brushes, you measure their physical length. Under the left side engine cover, on the lower left side of the stator. Brown plastic and metal holder. Be sure to put the screws for the brush holder back into the right holes, they are of varying lengths.

~ Derek

 

[charlesincharge09]

I think I got it thanks for the tips!