charging issue???

[Fowler]

While riding my trike the last couple days I noticed the volt gauge go back and forth between 11 volts to 14 volts

Every time I test I get

Battery engine not running - 12.6V

Battery engine running 14.5V

That is good

Maybe my gauge?

Maybe the regulator?

any other ideas

 

[FuzzyWuzHe]

Maybe a ground issue for the gauge?

 

[Gorilla]

Bob are you running a solid state regulator or the old fashion one? If the old fashion a contact pad might be sticking from pitting.

 

[rhino 2]

How old is your battery 12.6 volts is marginal at best.Your Regulator is struggling to keep the battery charged.

 

[Fowler]

The Battery is at least 10 years old

Im using an alternator like this

the regulator must be built in

https://www.walmart.com/ip/New-Alternator-VW-Beetle-AL82N-AL82X-043-903-023A-Melroe-Spra-13080/991523994?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=10303&adid=22222222227239724331&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=286016972345&wl4=pla-485580217615&wl5=9008724&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=120801798&wl11=online&wl12=991523994&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxMjnBRCtARIsAGwWnBOecVLpdlbr7G5haK72Ly2k3Y7-FS6QzHE5V6Amvg_24w8jCaadiEkaAu_BEALw_wcB

 

[rhino 2]

The Battery is at least 10 years old

Im using an alternator like this

the regulator must be built in

https://www.walmart.com/ip/New-Alternator-VW-Beetle-AL82N-AL82X-043-903-023A-Melroe-Spra-13080/991523994?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=10303&adid=22222222227239724331&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=286016972345&wl4=pla-485580217615&wl5=9008724&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=120801798&wl11=online&wl12=991523994&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxMjnBRCtARIsAGwWnBOecVLpdlbr7G5haK72Ly2k3Y7-FS6QzHE5V6Amvg_24w8jCaadiEkaAu_BEALw_wcB

View attachment 72367

10-year-old battery the battery is shot get a new one 10 years is almost unheard of

Probably nothing wrong with the alternator it’s just working overtime trying to keep a dead battery alive ..

 

[grandpanystrom61]

When we were kids and getting that first car, well batteries back than did seem to last 10 years if taken care of.

I am still trying to get used to the short life batteries we pay so much for now days.

My best life and luck has been with Napa batteries. Walmart has a good two year exchange program, but they batteries seem to go to shit shortly after that 2 years, LOL

Seems all I find in my area now is the maintenance free batteries, not my favorite type.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Have your battery load tested, I bet you will find it bad

After you replace battery check your charging system

The erratic voltage can be a sign of an alternator trying to catch up a bad battery

This has caused many regulators and rectifier bridges to arc and overheat

 

[Fowler]

Took the battery to the auto store

It tested good

BTW I bought it in November 2009 So not a full 10 years

I cleaned up all the connections at the battery, starter, alternator & gauge

So now the issue is slightly different

At 700 - 800 RPMs the voltage is 12v- 13v

above 800 RPMs it jumps up to 14.5V

 

[1dn5up]

Battery voltage can test good but the ampredge output seems n/g !

Like was said - 10 years , come on - smell the coffee

 

[LarryA]

I'll go along with the guys saying bad battery......if internal connections between cells are intermittent or a few cells are building sediment and electrically leaking down it could cause regulation problems.

 

[rhino 2]

All i can say....With a choice of changing a ten year old battery or changing an an alternator, Is to follow the law of Parsimony..........

 

[Fowler]

changed the battery

Still doing the same thing

I guess I will order a alternator

 

[grandpanystrom61]

Not at all sure if this helps, but you can get the alternator checked out to see if it working correctly before just buying a new one, than again how old is the alternator ?

What I was going to add was that I had off charging indicator, checked the new gauge and how I installed it, but did use old ground wire in harness, so once I went to a new independent ground lead that was solid with new wire all the issues were solved. Latter as I was looking at the wiring harness I found several ground leads coming off the one I originally used. Instructions said "run a independent ground" for such a gauge and a few others say the same thing.

 

[vwbug72501]

Parts store should be able to test alternator functions. Connect a test meter (VOM, DVM, etc.) you trust directly across the battery and run the engine. Compare readings with installed voltmeter. If different, could be wiring issue.

 

[Sidecarbill]

Use a dvom and check the voltage at the battery. I shouldn't drop to 11 volts quickly even if you disconnect the alternator. The voltages should be comparable between the two meters.

 

[Fowler]

test with the meter shows the same. At lower RPMs the voltage drops

Going to ride to work today will see how it works on the ride.

 

[Fowler]

I just ordered a alternator

 

[Jack Klarich]

I just ordered a alternator

Good deal

Make sure to charge the battery to full before you start it up with a new alternator

You can also run a ground strap from the alternator case to the frame for peace of mind

 

[Fowler]

You can also run a ground strap from the alternator case to the frame for peace of mind

You know what I just painted my alternator stand.

Could it be that I am not getting a good ground there?

I will try the ground strap idea before I replace the alternator