1981 R65LS Charging Problem

[napanorton]

I agree it's time for parts substituting. I still have the old ECU, which I think is good (turned out THAT problem was with Hall effect sensor). I also have a new diode board coming. I'll try swapping those and see what happens. Any more thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks! David

[napanorton]

Well, got my new diode board and installed it. Now I've replaced the ICU, Regulator, Hall effect sensor, Diode board and rotor. Guess what? Still dies above about 1500 rpm - right where the alternator starts producing. My new, and maybe last, theory is the magnetic field being generated by the alternator is interfering with the Hall effect sensor. Since I replaced the Hall effect sensor with an aftermarket unit, I'm now thinking the new unit has poor magnetic shielding or something. So I found a used beancan on eBay and will try that next.

Thanks, David

[barryh]

Good luck with the new bean can. Hard to think what else it might be.

Like I said earlier I bet it wouldn't happen with points ignition but you'd also need new coils to use a points type bean can.

[napanorton]

I know it wouldn't happen with points - but then you'd have points. I really like electronic ignitions - once they work. It's pretty set and forget. I've installed TriSparks in all 3 of my old Nortons and it transformed them from lumps of aluminum and oil into actual motorcycles...

-- David

[enigmaT120]

What was wrong with your original Hall effect ignition unit? What aftermarket unit did you use to replace it?

It's been a long time, but I think I remember an over-charging problem on my Triumph (I know, sounds impossible!) due to the zener diode finally failing to regulate. Actually I think it vibrated off.... It made the bike run rough, very noticeable. And that was with points.

[napanorton]

Well I thought I would write a conclusion to this story. After replacing the HES with aftermarket units - twice, the rotor, the diode board, the regulator, the coil and the ICU I still had this won't run over 1400 rpm when the D+/Df terminals were shorted. In frustration I got a used bean can off eBay. Slapped it in and the problem went away! It looks like the aftermarket HES I had used either had a problem with the way I installed them or were not equivalent to the original Honeywell units somehow. Bike is back on the road - thanks to all who tried to help.

-- D