[DrifterTex]

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Well, I went out for a ride yesterday and noticed my alternator was showing between 13.7 and 13.9 with only an occasional 14 or 14.1 . It flashes readings as Iride along.How close am I to getting stranded on one of my rides? It is 13 years old now, and I was wondering ifit isstill good.

 

[Gone14s]

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Those numbers are fine.When you have a good battery it is not going to show full charge all the time.Your right where you want to be....



Kurt

 

[newday777]

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Is it the stock alternator? Running extra lights?

 

[DrifterTex]

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Stock alternator. No xtra lights. and a sealed glassmat battery.

 

[ALEX BERECZKY]

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DrifterTex wrote:

Well, I went out for a ride yesterday and noticed my alternator was showing between 13.7 and 13.9 with only an occasional 14 or 14.1 . It flashes readings as Iride along.How close am I to getting stranded on one of my rides? It is 13 years old now, and I was wondering ifit isstill good.

> I'm concerned about the "13 years old"... eg Realize that the stock alternator requires Servicing of the Brushes (cleaning) about every 20k miles; and replacement of the brushes around 80k

 

[agnogel]

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He only has 45k on the clock i dont see anything wrong with those readings unless the volt meter is connected direct to the battery your reading will fluxuate as other things draw power

 

[sandiegobrass]

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There is really not much to do at 45k ifreadings appear to be normal.. I mean, if you want to take it apart and have a look, go ahead.. (you won't be able to see anything except how much brush wear there is).. but I wouldn't be doing this at this point.. (and mother Honda is silent)but maybe at 80-100k I'd consider replacingbrushes or do something if voltages act up.. (voltages below)... and keep in mind that hot weather (actually hot alternator)makes for lower voltages (by design.. not an accident)

 

[hummer5205]

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Tex the first thing I would do is start your bike go for a ride(your choice) about an hour or 2 & tommarrow & the next day the same ! Point being nothing to be concerned about but if you want take out your alt & check your brushes or if your unable to do it go to an alt shop or send it to Ken Hemmings & He can rebuild it for you if you or if you will Leave sleeping dogs lie !

 

[Roadhog]

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The voltage seems normal UNLESS it has been charging more consistently and suddenly dropped. This would be a concern.

 

[DrifterTex]

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Went out for a ride today and the voltage meter stayed steady between 13.9 to 14.1 . I guess it was just the heat from yesterday causing the low volts. Thanks all for your advice. I will keep an eye on it as it seemed back to normal today.

 

[agnogel]

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most likely the fans comeing on caused the fluxuation