Swap meet find- 67 Scrambler restore

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 4:06 pm

Yesterday I got around to disconnecting the pink wire. Regardless of RPM with the lights on you are continually dropping voltage, just not enough amperage input that way, not that I'm surprised.

I also payed a little closer attention to the voltage with it connected. Now it was running 17.2 volts tops (maybe a ambient temperature thing?) I also noticed that the voltage gets near max at a relatively low rpm (no tachometer so I can't say exactly.)

It might be that the high voltage is due to the increased efficiency of the new diode assembly. Adding a low resistance between the diode assembly and the battery might fix that, but getting it just right would be a challenge. Additional lights might be the simplest solution, something I might try if I start having battery issues.

Superchicken · Post by **Superchicken** » Thu Aug 21, 2014 6:58 pm

Stan, thanks for the report.

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Mon Sep 08, 2014 2:08 pm

Yes the DMV has struck. I had to fill out a form saying I wouldn't install the plate unless I got an approval letter from them which can take up to 60 days. I talked to someone today who went though the same thing.

An update on the original plate situation. At the end of the 60 day period I got a letter saying I had to return the title before they could okay using the old plate. That was about a month ago. I just got a replacement registration Thursday with the old plate number on it, but no stickers for the plate, so I had to carefully peel them off the other plate and install them. Just came from the mailbox and the new title was in there. Finally done with that!

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 12:19 pm

New electrical issue. On my last long ride the bike backfired once, 15 or so miles later sputtered, then 10 miles later died. It was not a charging or battery issue, there was no power at all, no lights(not even dim) or spark. I checked the fuse and checked for loose wires without finding a problem. Fooled around a bit checking things out, tried again and it started. I drove it home checked the voltage and it was normal. Later I checked everything I could think of. I did resolder the wire end on the fuse holder, it appeared a little small, retreating into the spring. I put in a new fuse as well.

I think the problem was either the fuse, fuse holder, or ignition switch. With that in mind I made a jumper wire to carry that is fused and will go from my battery tender connection to the power port for the winkers( which this bike does not have). With the switch off it powers everything but the tail light, so that should get me home if this failure repeats. I also put a multimeter in my bag so I can troubleshoot on the spot if this happens again.

I did put about 20 or so miles on after, but haven't been able to ride for a while, or do much else for that matter, since I had shoulder surgery last month. I can't wait to get back to riding and working on my projects.

Superchicken · Post by **Superchicken** » Fri Nov 07, 2014 6:17 pm

Very good Stan! I always carry a test light and jumper wire made with alligator clips on each end. One time on a ride my friend Robert's Honda V45 Sabre ignition switch stopped working at a gas station. As soon as we opened the headlight, and used the test light to see what was not getting current, it was easy to see what do. We used some bailing wire to make the needed jumper, in the connector held in place the tape.

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Fri May 15, 2015 8:19 pm

Haven't posted on this for a while so I'll update;

I apparently solved the electrical problem. I've used it on two AMCA road runs since then, along with some local riding, and no problems there, although I lost the right mounting bolt and spacer for the rear fender at the grab bar and had to make a replacement spacer.

I had a single saddle bag crudely attached for some time. I use it for going to the store for little things and shedding clothing on the road runs. I finally decided to make a proper mount for it, and ended up with a small rack as well. All the metal is recycled from an old hand truck. Looking at it gave me the idea of how to construct it.

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Sat May 16, 2015 10:46 pm

Should know better!! Reported electrical problem solved and less than an hour later it started cutting out on me on the way to town. I had to run it at high revs (and lower gear) about 1/2 way home to keep it going. What I found was the eye on the ground cable broke off at the battery. I'm guessing high rpm gave it enough juice to keep going. It also fried the low beam on the headlight, taillight and brake light. I also found my taillight lens damaged at the screw holes. I'm patching it up now, so I haven't taken it on the road to make sure that was the whole problem, but it idles and revs fine stationary now so hopefully that was it. I should be able to take it out tomorrow for a spin to be sure.