Page 1 of 1

GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:02 pm
by Rohls
Hi,

i have a 1975 90/6, just replaced the brushes (600 miles ago). Ever since then the GEN light flickers red at upper rpm (~4000-5000). It will go off if I back off the throttle, and then I can slowly inrceas revs so it doesn't go off. I haven't noticed the battery slowing down, or poor starts, just annoy is all.

Any thoughts?

Also i have the turn signal/brake light circuit always blowing the 8 amp fuse...like every 100 miles...kinda annoying too...any thoughts as to why? It is fine for a while then poof...gone and no brake light/turnsignals/horn...oh bother.

Many thanks!

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 11:21 pm
by Kurt in S.A.
Gen light: I'm guessing you don't have enough spring tension on the new brushes, or the brushes are hanging up in the holders. The small snail springs can be installed with one too few turns, resulting in lesser pressure on the brushes. Thus they bounce at high RPM or get hung up and don't move easily in the holders.

Kurt in S.A.

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 7:15 pm
by jjwithers
Diode board might be the culprit for some of your issues. It is worth testing or looking into.

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:32 pm
by Rohls
Thanks Ya'll. I'll have to look at the springs again...I remember following whatever I read pretty closely; any tips for winding the springs up and setting the tension?

What's a good test of the diode board? I mean, the bike does function properly...just on occasion I'm having the fuse blow. Is there a link you could point me to?

N!

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 2:23 pm
by mattcfish
Rohls wrote:Thanks Ya'll. I'll have to look at the springs again...I remember following whatever I read pretty closely; any tips for winding the springs up and setting the tension?

What's a good test of the diode board? I mean, the bike does function properly...just on occasion I'm having the fuse blow. Is there a link you could point me to?

N!
Somethings up. I haven't blown a fuse in over 20 years on my airhead.

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 2:49 pm
by Deleted User 72
Rohls wrote:Thanks Ya'll. I'll have to look at the springs again...I remember following whatever I read pretty closely; any tips for winding the springs up and setting the tension?

What's a good test of the diode board? I mean, the bike does function properly...just on occasion I'm having the fuse blow. Is there a link you could point me to?

N!
Here is BMW's test for the diode board. I don't think that is your problem, though.

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2011 3:59 pm
by Ken in Oklahoma
Rohls wrote: ... What's a good test of the diode board? I mean, the bike does function properly...just on occasion I'm having the fuse blow. Is there a link you could point me to?
Rob Frankham has put together an excellent test method for checking the diode board, far better than anything I've seen.

Here's the link: http://robfrankham.co.uk/bike/testing_t ... _board.htm



Ken

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 5:46 pm
by Rohls
Thanks. I'll give the diode a test in a few.

I started noticing the fuse blowing before and after I replaced the turn signal flasher. I didn't feel like paying the $$ for an OEM flasher, so did a bit of research and bought a Trinton XXXX from my auto store. It works, but every once and a while this fuse thing...I'm not sure if some wire is arcing somewhere while riding or the system is overload another way. It doesn't make a lot of sense.

I was thinking of getting this (http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/produc ... lt-mg+.htm) rebuild kit as a start to my electrically problems. Anybody have an objection or other suggestion?

Regards,

Nick

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Fri Sep 23, 2011 10:50 pm
by SteveD
Rohls wrote:Thanks. I'll give the diode a test in a few.

I started noticing the fuse blowing before and after I replaced the turn signal flasher. I didn't feel like paying the $$ for an OEM flasher, so did a bit of research and bought a Trinton XXXX from my auto store. It works, but every once and a while this fuse thing...I'm not sure if some wire is arcing somewhere while riding or the system is overload another way. It doesn't make a lot of sense.

I was thinking of getting this (http://www.euromotoelectrics.com/produc ... lt-mg+.htm) rebuild kit as a start to my electrically problems. Anybody have an objection or other suggestion?
Test first, spend second.

That's a good value package from EME, and if you buy and install, it's still good to know what has failed for you. That part goes to the bin, the others become spares on the shelf.

Re: GEN light comes on at higher rpms

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2011 1:40 am
by Major Softie
Yeah, that looks like a great price for all that, but that doesn't mean you need any of it.