Battery? Alternator?

[Slipperyeel]

Ok. All working. I put the old gel battery back in (yes, I carted it all over Italy with me and back, just in case!). Took the starter apart. It looked just fine, nothing obvious, but I deliberately rotated the armature just in case it is the windings.

Reassembled. Switched it on. Now all noises exactly as normal. Press the starter. It fired up instantly!

So. Is it the windings or was that acid battery fooked? I'll know tomorrow morning if it really is fixed (of only temporarily). My suspicion is with the starter motor...

 

[Timolgra]

BATTERY

 

[Slipperyeel]

BATTERY

You and that battery . I may still end up getting a new one just to write it off the list. But I have a niggling feeling I'm gonna be in the market for a replacement starter...

 

[Slipperyeel]

Oh. While I had the tank off I took a look at the alternator (literally just a look, only to see if there was anything obvious that might be responsible for this problem).

As I contemplated the possibility that it might be the alternator, I then thought about what's involved in replacing it. Am I mistaken or its that a right royal PIA to remove? I can only see that lifting out the Servo pump is the way? That can't be right, can it?

 

[Black Rooster]

check the charging rate while the bikes is running might be a slipping alt belt

 

[Ian J Hartley]

As I contemplated the possibility that it might be the alternator, I then thought about what's involved in replacing it. Am I mistaken or its that a right royal PIA to remove? I can only see that lifting out the Servo pump is the way? That can't be right, can it?

That's what the manual says:-

In addition to the obvious:-
• Remove Motronic control unit.
• [ABS] Remove the pressure modulator.
• Remove front cover from engine.

It also mentions:-
• Remove strut from frame on left.
• Remove the alternator.

Ian

 

[Slipperyeel]

That's what the manual says:-

In addition to the obvious:-
• Remove Motronic control unit.
• [ABS] Remove the pressure modulator.
• Remove front cover from engine.

It also mentions:-
• Remove strut from frame on left.
• Remove the alternator.

Ian

I'm so hoping all is well tomorrow morning! If it is then I'm going start with a new battery, if it continues to behave then it'll be a new starter. I really don't look fwd to changing the alternator!

I've been searching for a 'how to' on checking the charge rate. Can I really get an idea with it only on idle? The nominal rating for alternator output is usually 5k rpm... don't fancy running at that stationary!

 

[DrFarkoff]

Load of bollix that must have been written by the same twat that wrote the haynes manual

No disrespect meant to You Ian !!!

It can be done without all that schit! Do not take the pipes out of the Servo ABS unit! You will probably regret it if you do!

That's what the manual says:-

In addition to the obvious:-
• Remove Motronic control unit.
• [ABS] Remove the pressure modulator.
• Remove front cover from engine.

It also mentions:-
• Remove strut from frame on left.
• Remove the alternator.

Ian

 

[Slipperyeel]

The bike behaved this morning. So my theory is I left the parking light on. Then tried to charge the battery (lead acid battery). But by then it was fooked so no hoe of it being up to muster. Put the old gel battery back in and everything is back to normal.

I'm going to get a new battery today. But I'm kinda nervous about that starter motor. It could still be that. I'll have to see over time.

Thanks for all your thoughts and ideas. All very useful.

 

[Timolgra]

Did someone say battery less than 2 mins after your first post?

 

[Ian J Hartley]

No disrespect meant to You Ian !!!

None taken!

I was just quoting the manual. Having never done the job myself. However I always follow the rule of 'Minimal work'.

Unbolt and move don't disconnect and remove unless absolutely necessary.

Still it has all worked out well for 'Slipperyeel', which is what counts.

Ian

 

[JJH]

Load of bollix that must have been written by the same twat that wrote the haynes manual

No disrespect meant to You Ian !!!

It can be done without all that schit! Do not take the pipes out of the Servo ABS unit! You will probably regret it if you do!

I have to agree with above. Dealers love people who read manuals and strip everything down. As they say they don't charge for dismantling but they charge double for assembly and 4 times if it's in bags. For a battery. JJH

 

[Slipperyeel]

Did someone say battery less than 2 mins after your first post?

Yes yes. Top marks

I think my idea of the chain of events is right, but I'm surprised how vulnerable a lead acid battery is. Clearly you have more experience than me with the batteries in these bikes. Also the Servo arrangement seems to be a sensitive link in the chain...

Thanks again!