1986 FJ1200 Flickering Gauges - Possible Charging Issue?

[iWant2RideMyBike]

Pat,
Ahhhhh, now I understand! I do recall there being a difference between the readings on the two wires and the reading on the battery. I'll check and take note of the differences later today after work. All of the electric aspects of motorcycles have been a complete mystery to me these past few years, so thanks for being patient with me while I bumble my way to understanding, haha. Cheers to you!

[Pat Conlon]

You're welcome....Just passing on what others on this forum have done for me....that's how this works.

[iWant2RideMyBike]

You're welcome....Just passing on what others on this forum have done for me....that's how this works.

Pat,
Of course, of course! I did take a few multi-meter readings last night. It seems that the field sensor wire is always about 1 volt to a little over 1 volt lower than what the battery reading is. It seemed to be more off when the battery was putting out lower voltages (like 12.3 to 12.4 volts).

When the battery would be putting out 14.8 volts, the field sensor wire would be reading 13.7 or so volts.
When the battery would be putting out 12.4 volts, the field sensor wire would be reading 10.8 volts or so.

Is this acceptable margin of error? I've never took of the cover of a stator before to see whats inside, but maybe I should take a look in there and make sure the connection to the voltage regulator isn't messed up on that end too.

[Pat Conlon]

That's not too bad, it could be worse for sure.
Dropping 1 volt is common with our 30 year old wiring, plugs, switches and connectors.
You want to see what voltage drop really looks like?
Take a volt reading at your headlight plug or ignition coils.
You will understand why we do the relay mods.

Do the best you can, clean and seal your wiring plugs and connections. Look for little broken strands of wire at the connectors.

If your system is still charging at 15.5+ volts, change your VR....or get a AAA card and increase your budget for new batteries.

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

These bikes are tough after all we are talking about 30 year old machines. Having said that I wonder if a post listing the most common issues has been done.
the infamous red plug, gas gap vent, carb hose routing, etc. Ha maybe its been done with every new member reply.

[iWant2RideMyBike]

These bikes are tough after all we are talking about 30 year old machines. Having said that I wonder if a post listing the most common issues has been done.
the infamous red plug, gas gap vent, carb hose routing, etc. Ha maybe its been done with every new member reply.

I can't say for sure if it has, but it definitely would be beneficial. I did find out exactly what was making my gauges flicker, once I figured out how to use the wiring diagrams, lol. I had another melted connector up at the front of the wiring harness, underneath the gas tank. Looked fine on the outside, but internally it was just as badly burned up as my generator wire was. I'm planning on fixing it soon. I'm not in a huge hurry because it is very cold out here in the Twin Cities at the moment.