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Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:10 am
Author: haydnw@mac.com
Is there a preferred method of checking the charging system, I had some issues with electrolyte leaking from the battery caps and vent tube on my Z1b, I've fitted a new sealed battery and checked across the battery terminals with a multimeter.
It shows 13 volts on tick over rising to 14.83 volts at 4000 - 5000 rpm (tacho isn't fitted currently).
The bike came with a 2021 receipt for a combined reg/rect. which is fitted - does 14.83 volts sound excessive?
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:43 am
Author: CAT3
I would say 14.5v would be the most you'd really want to see, someone will be along soon who will know for certain though.
It would explain why your battery is overcharging & expelling it's electrolyte from the vent caps.
I'm sure there is a "how to" somewhere on this forum explaining how to check the regulator out-of-circuit, which I would sugget you try.
Also, is your regulator a aftermarket combined reg/rectifier unit or the two separate units, one the rectifier & the other the regulator ?
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:47 am
Author: haydnw@mac.com
Thanks for your reply.
It's a combined Reg/Rect. I believe bought by the previous owner from ZPower in 2021.
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 10:58 am
Author: zapo
For what it's worth mine is 12.8 at tick over and 14.7 at 4000rpm.
No issues.
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:00 am
Author: haydnw@mac.com
So not a million miles from what mine's doing?
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 11:23 am
Author: haydnw@mac.com
So not a million miles from what mine's doing?
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:03 pm
Author: zed9
Yes its fine and also depends on stae of battery charge and age. If its a bit low on charge voltage and current will be higherto charge battery, also may be higher if plates have sulfated a bit. You may find battery is about 12.5 to 12.9 after bing left for few hours.
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sat Feb 24, 2024 12:50 pm
Author: haydnw@mac.com
Thanks all, I'll test the regulator rectifier off the bike as detailed on here and assuming it's good I'll leave it for now.
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 10:06 am
Author: KeithZ1R
Riding with your lights on with dipped beam will take care of the slighly higher voltage which isnt an issue per se, its a safer bet for myopic recognition of your existance

.. try the same test in the above senario to confirm
Re: Charging system
Posted: Sun Feb 25, 2024 11:47 am
Author: haydnw@mac.com
KeithZ1R wrote:Riding with your lights on with dipped beam will take care of the slighly higher voltage which isnt an issue per se, its a safer bet for myopic recognition of your existance

.. try the same test in the above senario to confirm
Keith,
thanks - I'll check I'd not thought of that, i would normally ride with headlight on anyway.
Haydn
Re: Charging system
Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2024 6:31 pm
Author: haydnw@mac.com
haydnw@mac.com wrote:KeithZ1R wrote:Riding with your lights on with dipped beam will take care of the slighly higher voltage which isnt an issue per se, its a safer bet for myopic recognition of your existance

.. try the same test in the above senario to confirm
Keith,
thanks - I'll check I'd not thought of that, i would normally ride with headlight on anyway.
Haydn
Keith,
It does look better with headlight on - maximum 14.5 volts
thanks