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Post by leeinark on Mar 13, 2011 20:39:26 GMT -5
Well guys the last thread is stretching out alot so I decided to start this one and recap everything I can remember. I have a Magnum 300 cc trike and MAY have a voltage problem I don't know. I have added rear LEDs to the back end wired directly to the original equipment brake/running lights. I have also added a voltage meter connected thru the ignition switch. Also have changed the vacuem fuel line to an electric fuel pump. In addition I have an accessory plug to run my GPS but for purposes of this thread it is not used. HERE IS THE PROBLEM:
When I crank the trike up the voltage meter reads 14.3 volts at idle. If I turn the headlights on (hi or low) or use the "pass" switch, voltage drops off to 12+. Same readings at high speed as well. Doesn't matter if trike is hot or cold (ie warmed up).
I've disconnected the electric fuel pump and tested lights and voltage still works the same. So I don't believe fuel pump is contributory...I could be wrong
I've replaced the ignition direct wire (for the voltage gauge) with a battery direct wire and still no changes in voltage readings
Checked bulbs in headlights 35 watt lo beam 55 watt hi beam
Heat has nothing to do with voltage reading. It happens as soon as I crank it up and turn on headlights before trike has had time to even heat up the regulator or the CDI
Depressing just the brake light (without headlights on) does not change the voltage reading
I believe there are 3 yellow wires on stator, 2 plugs on regulator, probably an 18 pole stator
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Post by kixome on Mar 13, 2011 21:19:45 GMT -5
Maybe something is wrong with the switch?
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Post by edfr on Mar 13, 2011 21:39:55 GMT -5
Leeinark,
Sure appears to be a problem with the Headlights that is for sure. What is puzzling is the low beam is only 35W, I would say if they were both 55W then I would change them out. Almost seems like something in the Headlight wireing is messed up.
I would check the ground wires going to the Headlights and or wires touching by the socket. They sockets are the very cheap kind and they may be touching and not grounded properly.
Lefty
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Post by mike6736 on Mar 13, 2011 22:13:53 GMT -5
Lee,
Borrow a amp meter, check at bulds, befor and after switch. Also, check voltage with other meter than the one you just installed........If you are drawing over the battery amp storage something getting very hot some were I eould think. Disconnect new meter and check with hand held unit.
Hope it is something simple, surecis nice for riding..........
Mike
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Post by Bluefront on Mar 14, 2011 2:04:56 GMT -5
Still confused here.....You actually have four different headlight bulbs? Two bulbs are 35w used for the low beams, and the other two are 55w bulbs for high beams?
I've never heard of a single bulb with a 35w filament for low and a 55w filament for high. My own scoot has a single headlight bulb and a "passing" position on the headlight switch.....when you hit "passing" both the high and low beam are on at the same time. As long as you hold the switch down.....the battery is discharging (weak stator). This is the "normal" operation.....
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Post by leeinark on Mar 14, 2011 9:00:53 GMT -5
Bluefront: Yes I have 2 lo beams and 2 hi beams. The pass switch activates just the hi beams and man they are brite. If you want to see a picture just look up the Magnum 300 on internet. My trike DOES NOT activate both hi and lo under any conditions. I have 4 total bulbs - 2 lo, 2 hi. Guys I am completely puzzled and really I think I'll leave it alone. The battery continues to be healthy and charged (though I'm not sure how, unless the voltage reading is just downright wrong...WHICH IS POSSIBLE). It runs great and I'm just tired of taking things apart to chase a ghost. I'll wait until something breaks to look any further. Thanks for all your suggestions...I do appreciate it. r, Lee
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Post by rapidjim on Mar 15, 2011 11:48:49 GMT -5
Lee,
I have a Magnum sitting here that I will do some voltage and amp checks on this week. I do have a question for you. Do you ride with your low beams on and/or have you had any battery problems as far as starting after riding for awhile?
Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair
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Post by leeinark on Mar 15, 2011 16:41:17 GMT -5
Jim yes I ride with the low beams on. Ironically atleast on the volt meter there really is no change in voltage (on the meter) from the lo beams to the hi beams. I did change the wiring on the gauge so that I now run the hot lead direct from the battery to an on/off switch and to the volt gauge. No battery problems yet...but I haven't ridden that far either. In cold weather I have kept a trickle charge on the battery.
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Post by ustacould on Mar 23, 2011 11:05:07 GMT -5
Jim,
Were you able to run the tests and if you did what is the verdict.
ed
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Post by rapidjim on Mar 23, 2011 11:53:55 GMT -5
No I haven't yet. My ampmeter went bad I have to get another one.
Jim
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Post by leeinark on Mar 24, 2011 21:43:49 GMT -5
Well after Mike's suggestion I ran the hot line straight off the battery instead of the ignition switch. It did change the reading with the lights on just a bit. I now hold about 12.9 to 13.0 volts with the lights on. So that explains why the battery is holding charge.
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