Saturday 31 May 2008

Ducati alternator windings or should i say starting problem














It started a while ago. I would return from work, switch the bike off to open the gate. Try to start the bike and it would not turn over. The battery was flat, quick check and it was only 11 volts. Checked charging voltage on the battery terminals and only 12.2 volts. Less with the lights on.




Started to investigate the connections from the alternator and they are discoloured. Not a good sign. Although if its the issue then success. Tried cleaning all the connections reconnecting, checked voltage still no good.

Posts up on the Ducati site for help, Lots of advice, battery possibly, voltage regulator and alternator, stator etc.

With the help of a forum user, checked the output from the alternator by disconnecting the two yellow wires, placing a meter on the end and checking the output. Also to check the ohms resistance between each wire and to earth. The ohms values seem to be in range. 0.03 between each wire and no leakage to earth.......but the output is OK so that must mean the regulator rectifier is faulty.


Mike was brilliant, i had ordered a voltage regulator, forgot that the block connector is burnt and the connectors discoloured. Mentioned this and a new one arrived the next day in the post. If only all companies acted this way.

A few days later, the new voltage regulator back on. picture shows new connectors also with Mikes advice i solder the connectors. Took time to crimp the new connector. Checked the output and still not over 12.4 volts charging. I have made a mistake.

Now i phone Pat at Viking motorcycles. He tells me to check the output values with the workshop manual.

Check the values and i find....
The readings from the alternator should be only 0.2 to 0.4 ohms. Previous readings differ.
The output from the alternator should be
35 volts at 1500 revs
70 volts at 3000 revs
140 volts at 7000 revs

From memory i could only achieve around 20 volts on tick over and a maximum of 40 volts.......Now i wished i had taken time to read the manual and to discus the issue with Pat first. It could have saved me spending some money and trying to pinpoint the outcome.

moral of the story
take time to research the correct values and how to check. Save yourself some money.




Tuesday 13 May 2008

i have to blame the japanese gs battery

After the ride home from work, 45 mile journey. Park up and try to start the bike. It would not turn over. seems strange that after a such a long journey, where it would have time to charge that the battery is flat. voltage is low, less than 12v.
charged the battery overnight and the following day it starts no problem.
a couple of checks with a voltage meter and the volts vary when the alarm is triggered. need to investigate further. seems as though the battery is faulty or the datatool alarm is draining the battery..

Thursday 8 May 2008

back to basics / tyre pressures

There is the feeling that with any fix, always start with the basics.
I looked at my bike and the rear tyre looked low. Touching the side wall i could tell the pressure was low. Next i turned the wheel checking the grooves and found a rusty nail.
The cause of my handling although now i still need to set the shocks as i have started to change the settings.
So, start with the basics is my advice. I assumed it was the shock rushed in and forgot to check the pressures. I guess one of the first things. Also my front tyre pressure is low. The biposto should be 2.2 and rear 2.4. I found only 24lbs in the front and 22lbs in the rear.
Vinny