Subject: Eldo REgulator Performance
Author: Derek Hamlet
Date: Sep 1, 2001, 7:55 PM
Post ID: 1708085772
I followed Tom's excellent advice on testing my distributor. It seemed to
indicate that the regulator was at fault.
I replaced the stock Bosch unit with a Napa Echlin unit VR502. It seemed
to work right away. I took it for a spin and the charging light was off.
As I pulled into the driveway I let the throttle roll off expecting the
charge light to glimmer or glow at low revs. Nothing,
So, I turned off the key and the charge light came on. Oops. I had the
sidecovers off and noticed smoke (a little from the area of the regulator.
Oops agin.
Also noticed that the distributor was trying to turn very slowly. Oops.
Pulled a wire. Everything okay.
Hmmmmmmmm.
Rehooked the wire. No smoke. Turned key. Generator light lit.
Started engine. Charge light went out.
Revved engine. Everyting seemed okay. Did this a couple of times.
Then I put a voltmeter on the battery terminals. As I revved it up, the
voltage at the battery went up to something like 17.8 volts.
Hmmm. This does not seem right.
Any ideas.
One thing I'm thinking is that the regulator is just not turning off the
charge as it is supposed to at around 14volts +.
I can take it back and say, guys this thing ain't regulating.
Or......... I could substitute a Bosch solid state adjustable voltage
regulator.
Anyone done this. My confusion is that the terminals on the solid state
one are not marked. Checking through a Beemer motorcyle books suggests the
three terminals are DF, D+ and D- with the case being the ground.
The Guzzi one has two red wires going to two B+ terminals.
Any electrical gurus out there who can explain this to me??????
Many thanks
Derek Hamlet
Victoria, British Columbia