CB77 Charging System...

[Vince Lupo]

I have a 1966 CB77 whose charging system doesn't seem to be creating enough power. The best I can get is 12.70 volts @ 4000 rpm. Everything is new (new rectifier, NOS alternator and stator and the battery is about 1 yr. old). I have electronic igntion in it. We tried swapping the pink and yellow wires from the rectifier (now it's pink to yellow and yellow to pink) and that's where I've now gotten this best reading of 12.70 volts. Are there any other things I can do or is this the best it's going to be? Also, could the rotor lose its magnetism over time? How do you measure its power besides seeing if a screwdriver sticks to it? If that's the problem, could it be 're-magnetized'??? HELP!!!!<br /> <br /><br /><br />

[kustommusic]

Vince, Switch back the yellow and pink so they match up. How about the brown lead that goes to the ign switch,is it connected and providing power? Also I'm wondering what the standing voltage is on the battery (with the ignition off) Is it more than 12.70 or less. If you system is working the standing voltage should be less. The cb's charging system isn't exactly known as a flame thrower,might be all your gonna get. Good luck and let us know what you come up with. Steve Greer

[ryan_siefrin]

yeah, at the moment my system barely charges over the batterys voltage when running.

[Vince Lupo]

More news regarding my charging system. We (my mechanic, really) replaced the battery with a better quality one and it seems to be holding at 12.70 volts. I also found out that in order to actuate the 'third phase' of the stator, the headlight needs to be on. As well, I recently attended the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group's annual show/rally in Paris, Ontario (and I rode to it from Baltimore, MD!), and I met a fellow who suggested that I replace the selenium rectifier with a teeny rectifier from Radio Shack (he showed it to me and it's just a little 1&quot;x1&quot; square with a few wires coming out). He said that this type of rectifier produces a more 'pure' DC current. Does this make sense??? Anyhow, the bike seems fine at the moment, but I may give this new rectifier business a shot and see what happens. Thanks ever so much for your replies!<br />

[perryT200]

it only makes sense if you read some of the other threads on electronics.<br /><br />http://204.29.80.50/restore/diode/diode.html

[ryan_siefrin]

YEAH, i have that 1&quot; x 1&quot; square one, it works much better than the stock, however i saved the stock one so if i ever want i can put it back in to make it look more stock. I'd say go for it, what they told you is correct. When i mesured the Ohms on the old orange one i got 3.8 and the new one had like 18.8 ohms. this was the same amout of Ohms as in my 96 CBR. this more efficent rectifier will keep the battery carged better under heavy loads is what i understand. however i haven't really tested it much. <br /><br />if you have any other questions let me know.

[furryface]

Vince,<br /> I got sick of mine too &amp; sent it to Small Coil Rewinds here in OZ.Bert Neville rewired it with much better stronger wire for $AUD240.We then used an early CB350 regulator in conjunction &amp; got a very healthy 14.5 volts before the reg kicked in.Now I can use headlight on &amp; electric start all day long!