'Mornin' all
In spite of an alternator re-build (FTW, Sheffield), a complete re-wire and a new ammeter, I cannot get a charge reading when the headlight is on on my 1962 Model 14 AJS. Battery is fully charged, I get 8 volts at the solid state rectifier, a couple of amps + with pilot light on but a hefty 4-7 amps with the headlight on and minimal improvement of a couple of amps when the 'bike is revved.
It's driving me potty - that's an appropriate expression for an AJS problem!
I've had the laternator back to FTW and all is OK. Is there a link missing in the lighting switch? That's all I can think of.
Robot
lack of charge when headlights on
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lack of charge when headlights on
well robot, it looks like yout extra coils aren't being dialled in by the switch, if its the original wiring setup? douglas
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lack of charge when headlights on
Thanks, Douglas
So presumably, there is a link missing in the lighting switch?
Agreed?
Robot
So presumably, there is a link missing in the lighting switch?
Agreed?
Robot
- Tolly
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lack of charge when headlights on
Yes, when you put the light switch in the headlight position it effectively links two of the alternator wires together to use all coils on the alternator. Have a look at your wiring diagram. By the way, are you still 6 volt?
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Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
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lack of charge when headlights on
As Tolly says, when the lights are switched on the second, higher output, set of coils is switched into the rectifier.
The current passes through several connections & the switch, of course, so many places to have a poor connection.
Clean & check all of these. Clean & lubricate the switch contacts as they corrode some & collect dirt.
I am more familiar with the Lucas switches than the Wipac used on lightweigts but the former will last for many decades as the contacts are brass & only form a light patina with age.
Converting to 12 volt eliminates switching of the coils, simpifying the circuit as well as being more efficient.
Cheers, Don.
The current passes through several connections & the switch, of course, so many places to have a poor connection.
Clean & check all of these. Clean & lubricate the switch contacts as they corrode some & collect dirt.
I am more familiar with the Lucas switches than the Wipac used on lightweigts but the former will last for many decades as the contacts are brass & only form a light patina with age.
Converting to 12 volt eliminates switching of the coils, simpifying the circuit as well as being more efficient.
Cheers, Don.
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lack of charge when headlights on
Thanks, chaps. I'll have a go this coming weekend and report back. I should say that the new wiring harness complete with switches is via Colin Farrington but FTW did say that he's experienced trouble with the pattern lighting switches, made in China (where else for God's sake!)
Robot
Robot
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lack of charge when headlights on
Many of the replacement electricals are made in India, too where labor costs are low. But without these sources, we would not have affordable alternatives.
It seems that the Hinkley Bonnevilles destined to the Western Hemisphere are now being assembled in Thailand. There are reports of some problems, but when the first ones came out of the UK factory there were problems, too, as one would expect of a new model.
It is truely a global economy & I expect to have to adjust.
It seems that the Hinkley Bonnevilles destined to the Western Hemisphere are now being assembled in Thailand. There are reports of some problems, but when the first ones came out of the UK factory there were problems, too, as one would expect of a new model.
It is truely a global economy & I expect to have to adjust.
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lack of charge when headlights on
i'm with you don!! the switches and ammeters from india are actually superior to lucas versions they are well made if you have aclose look, and the ammeter is steady as a rock. but of course there will be different quality manufacturers there as well. douglas
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lack of charge when headlights on
Thanks. I've contacted A Osbourne who has given me useful tests.
Robot
Robot