FJ heat

[simi_ed]

Carbs sputter to a stop...like running out of fuel. Hard, sudden engine stops are electrical. Look elsewhere.

Agreed.  This is a good lead to follow.  Kinda hard to do remote electrical troubleshooting though ...

[theLeopard]

anyone know a good reference manual to guide me through electrical troubleshooting?
i haven't done this before and i don't quite understand everything they're asking me to do in the manual.

i tested the battery, it has juice.
i tested the generator with the motor running, and it puts out a bit more juice than the battery does alone which is nominal.
that's about the point where i stopped. i'll need to study the diagrams but i'm a complete novice with electrical stuff.
not even sure how to test the wires, do i punch the tips of the voltmeter through the insulator? how do i test the boxes/relay units?

i'd ask for a reference book out of respect, since i'd wager answering all my questions would be quite an extensive project for you guys.

[aviationfred]

On the electrical note...... Here is what I would check.

1. Check continuity between the negative terminal on the battery and a good bare spot on the frame.

2. Check these connectors for evidence of broken wires, signs of over heating, and loose or broken pins. Repair as necessary.
   Main on/off switch
   Right Handle Bar switch assembly
   ECU (Electronics Control Unit)
   Ignitor Unit
   Both main coils

3. While you have each connector apart, Use a spray can of electrical contact cleaner and spray any dirt/gunk from the connectors.

4. Use dielectric grease. Put a dab on each pin and socket and then reconnect each connector.

5. Check your earth ground wire. The Brown wire coming from your horn button.

I hope this is helpful.

Fred  
   

[JMR]

Carbs sputter to a stop...like running out of fuel. Hard, sudden engine stops are electrical. Look elsewhere.

Agreed.  This is a good lead to follow.  Kinda hard to do remote electrical troubleshooting though ...

Many times it is hard to find electrical problems even with the bike in front of you.

[oldktmdude]

On the electrical note...... Here is what I would check.

1. Check continuity between the negative terminal on the battery and a good bare spot on the frame.

2. Check these connectors for evidence of broken wires, signs of over heating, and loose or broken pins. Repair as necessary.
   Main on/off switch
   Right Handle Bar switch assembly
   ECU (Electronics Control Unit)
   Ignitor Unit
   Both main coils

3. While you have each connector apart, Use a spray can of electrical contact cleaner and spray any dirt/gunk from the connectors.

4. Use dielectric grease. Put a dab on each pin and socket and then reconnect each connector.

5. Check your earth ground wire. The Brown wire coming from your horn button.

I hope this is helpful.

Fred  
   

Fred has pointed you in the right direction. Another problem area that I had, were loose fuses. The fuse connector points can loosen over time and cause a temporary power-outage to critical electrical components. Start the bike and wiggle the fuses to check their connectivity. This problem can cause intermittent  stoppages which can be hard to diagnose.  Pete.