Battery not charging

[Shaun]

I have a 1990 FJ that does not charge the battery, what I am looking for is how to test which part is not working either the rectifier assembly or the regulator. I'm not the most electrically inclined person but I am always up for a challenge. I have done some reading around and found there are some alternatives for the regulator assembly as that seems to be the most common problem. Who has tried and used the custom built options out there and what's the consensus on the best option? Looking at the prices Yamaha wants for these rectifier / regulator assemblies new is just well crazy.

Thanks for the input.
Shaun

[Marsh White]

Shaun,

I'll let one of the other guys chime in about how to test.  But I will say, that when the rectifier starts going bad (and I would wager that nearly EVERY FJ on the road today has this issue) it actually OVERCHARGES the battery.  This causes regular batteries to boil dry and ruin the battery...making one think that it is not being charged...when actually the opposite is true.  FJs are notoriously hard on batteries, and usually the fix for any battery/charging related issue is to get a new battery.  9 times out of 10 this fixes the problem.  I have gone to the sealed AGM batteries and now never have to keep checking and filling my battery...I've had it for 2 1/2 years now and I'm VERY satisfied!

This is the one I bought...about $85 shipped with our 10% off code.
http://www.bikeeffects.com/products.asp?cat=8551

[Shaun]

So I will check the harness carefully and ensure integrity.
I have looked at Hansome Poms Regulator fix, good and simple for electrically challenged people like me.
I also checked out the sealed battery, like it but they do not ship to Canada, so I will find a comparable battery locally.
I'll let you know how it all turns out, hopefully by the weekend I should be up and running again.

Thanks for the input folks.
Shaun

[Shaun]

Well I have completed a version of Handsome Poms regulator mod, now I get 14.3 -14.4V @ idle and 14.7V across the battery @ 5000 rpm. So I shouldn't boil anymore batteries, I hope. I used an adjustable regulator, Transpo was the manufacturer I'll get the part number and add it in later.
As for the rest of the mod I followed Handsome Poms mod instructions and it works great. The only difference is there are three terminals from the
regulator. DF, D+ and D-. You need to run a ground to earth as the case does not perform that function as the Boch RE55 does.
Awesome help folks I appreciate the input.

[jvb_ca]

Good work Shaun. A fellow FJer friend here in Barrie Ontario needs to do the regulator mod as well. He is boiling batteries. I have looked at the files for the mod, but would really appreciate if you had some pics of the regulator. Were did you buy the Transpo regulator? Any other info/tips would help, as it will probably be me doing the mod on his bike.

Cheers....Jake

[Shaun]

Sure thing, I can do that for you and get you the part number of the regulator, apparently it still needs to come down some more, as opinions vary but it seems that I may still be a little high on voltage, 14.3v @ 3K rpm seems to be where some have suggested to set voltage at. As long as it does not affect the lights whenever I use the brakes or turn signals then it should be okay. Boiling batteries is no good, it must have been doing it for awhile for the previous owner, as this battery is done.

Shaun

[simi_ed]

Shaun, Glad to hear that your regulator is working, but I think you set point is too high.  I set mine to 13.7-13.8V.  (I used the adjustable TRS-IB301A VOLT REG <http://tinyurl.com/d266s2>).

Anything over 13.8 is really too high and WILL boil your battery.  A Battery Tender charges to about 14.1~14.2V, and then drops back to 13.2V.

[andyb]

That's odd, a car alternator puts out 14.4VDC normally.  Nominal 12V system, the extra is to overcome the internal resistance of the battery.

Then again I don't worry much about it, a $35 (-$9 after core) battery from walmart is part of my spring routine...

[Ratty]

my fj1200 did same thing all it took was me to faceup the carbon brushes and clean the armature on the starting motor. afer i did this no more problem, you are right to buy new from yamaha to pricey.

[ozzstar]

Hi- where can i find Handsome Poms regulator mod? When i tested the voltage on the battery terminals on my '86 FJ it was around 12.8V at idle and went as high as 15.0V at around 3K RPM.  I think i definetly need to install this mod.  Thanks for your help.

Ozz

[Arnie]

Ozzstar,

It's in the "files" section on the Yahoo list.  I'm guessing that it will be also included once the archived material is available here.
If you need it quicker and are not a yamahafj@yahoogroups list member, shout and I (or probably many here) will send it to you directly.

Cheers,
Arnie

[ozzstar]

Ozzstar,

It's in the "files" section on the Yahoo list.  I'm guessing that it will be also included once the archived material is available here.
If you need it quicker and are not a yamahafj@yahoogroups list member, shout and I (or probably many here) will send it to you directly.

Cheers,
Arnie

Thanks Arnie

I am a member of the yahoo group and did find Handsome Pom's mod. 

I also looked at Kladvy's regulator mod.  It looks like the unit he used already has 3 wires coming out from it and direct fits into the regulator housing? I don't see where it states what brand/model used.  Looks a little more simple to install than Handsomes mod. 

Using Handsomes mod he uses the Bosch RE55.  Is the TRS-IB301A a substitute for the Bosch?

I just want to make sure I get all my facts correct before I do the mod.

Thanks

Ozz

[Shaun]

You can have a look at this too, the RG25 is the one for the FJ it keeps everything back inside the housing but uses new technology and is fairly cheap, no extra wiring. They have a good tech page that shows the instal as well. http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/generator-gallery-electrical-parts-for-motorcycles-aprilia-bmw-cagiva-ducati-honda-kawasaki-suzuki-yamaha-laverda-moto-guzzi-mz-3912-0.html When I figure out the link trick I'll use it but in the mean time copy and paste and you will get there.

[ozzstar]

You can have a look at this too, the RG25 is the one for the FJ it keeps everything back inside the housing but uses new technology and is fairly cheap, no extra wiring. They have a good tech page that shows the instal as well. http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/generator-gallery-electrical-parts-for-motorcycles-aprilia-bmw-cagiva-ducati-honda-kawasaki-suzuki-yamaha-laverda-moto-guzzi-mz-3912-0.html When I figure out the link trick I'll use it but in the mean time copy and paste and you will get there.

Looks almost to good to be true!  Thanks for the info.  This looks like a real simple and quick fix.  The link to the RG25 model FJ1200 1984 and up is: http://www.electrexworld.co.uk/rg25-regulator-kawasaki-suzuki-yamaha-triumph-zx-gpz-gsx-gtr-1319-0.html

Shaun do you know if the regulator comes with instructions?

Its around $52+ $33 shipping =$85 here to the USA.

Ozz

[racerman_27410]

its more than 52 bucks if ordered from england ... more like 92.00

or you can order ot from these people stateside

http://www.electrosport.com/street/street-model-products-listing-street_65700.php

i have bought several speedo's from them and their service is good.

still aint cheap though.

Kookaloo!

Frank