93 FXR charging system

[juiced03]

For 2 days in a row my bike was slow to start but did fire up until yesterday when all I got was clicking. Just bought the bike 2 months ago and the owner didn''t know how old the battery was. So off to the dealer and $100 later a new battery and back on the road. Road 80 miles today, stopped for gas and it wouldn't start not even a click! Got a jump start, fired right up, road about 5 miles it sputtered and stoppped again. after 2 more jump starts got it back home. Digital voltmeter show 9.6 volts at the battery and while running. Must be the charging system. Any idea where to start? Voltage regulator, stator, cables etc??

[Don Camillo]

Originally Posted by juiced03

Must be the charging system. Any idea where to start? Voltage regulator, stator, cables etc??

Yes, you need to check all conections (stator - regulator plug in primary!), then I would check regulator, then stator. In my bike (also 1993 FXR) I had burned stator- quite easy fix.

[cpmike]

Ironic you brought this up. My '93 FXRS-SP died at 70 mph going to Arkansas last weekend. Never had a bike die at speed. Coasted to side of the road.

Very similar problem to yours. Hard to start for a week or so. Didn't think much of it, thought that had something to do with the 60w oil I changed to. Output from the stator was good. Battery only 6 months old. Output from regulator was weak. I think it was putting out 13.0v max. I didn't have a DVM with me. The mechanic at Paris Harley (Texas) did the troubleshooting (good guy). After charging the battery, rode without a headlight to Texarkana Harley (90 miles) to get a regulator (Paris HD didn't have one). Replaced the regulator and continued on my trip.

side note: HOG wanted $100 for the 35 mile tow from Commerce TX to HD dealer in Paris TX. Told them, no thanks. Same tow using my insurance carrier, Progressive, was free.

[juiced03]

Thanks Don Camillo & cpmike for the tips & feedback. I replaced both connectors today on the hotwire, jumpstarted & had 13.9v while idling. Went for a upper rpm 6 mile ride and had 12.6v idling when I returned. I'll take it to a local shop this week and have them check it out. Glad I have Progressive insurance and the good people that stopped to help a stuck biker. One of these days I'll post some pics. It's a 93 FXLRC anniversary edition that had 7400 orig. miles I got for $7000. with oodles of goodies and go fast parts. FXR - nothing else compares.

[93 FXR]

Originally Posted by juiced03

Thanks Don Camillo & cpmike for the tips & feedback. I replaced both connectors today on the hotwire, jumpstarted & had 13.9v while idling. Went for a upper rpm 6 mile ride and had 12.6v idling when I returned. I'll take it to a local shop this week and have them check it out. Glad I have Progressive insurance and the good people that stopped to help a stuck biker. One of these days I'll post some pics. It's a 93 FXLRC anniversary edition that had 7400 orig. miles I got for $7000. with oodles of goodies and go fast parts. FXR - nothing else compares.

Agreed....

[juiced03]

Originally Posted by juiced03

Thanks Don Camillo & cpmike for the tips & feedback. I replaced both connectors today on the hotwire, jumpstarted & had 13.9v while idling. Went for a upper rpm 6 mile ride and had 12.6v idling when I returned. I'll take it to a local shop this week and have them check it out. Glad I have Progressive insurance and the good people that stopped to help a stuck biker. One of these days I'll post some pics. It's a 93 FXLRC anniversary edition that had 7400 orig. miles I got for $7000. with oodles of goodies and go fast parts. FXR - nothing else compares.

It was the voltage regulator. Be back on the road in time to ride to the York Final Assembly Open House next Friday!