1984 electrical issue

[dwerbil]

This just began this afternoon....Generator light not on when it supposed to be, with key on and also at idle. When home, I pulled the cluster and checked out the idiot light. Thought I had found the culprit with oxidized tabs on the bulb. Cleaned same and reinstalled to no avail. Volt meter does not read any volt gain beyond 12.30 on battery terminals when the engine is revved. Maybe the regulator?
Thanks

[Airbear]

Randy, it seems we don't have any electrical guru types here anymore but the UK site "BM Bikes and BM Riders" does - particularly a member called Galactic Greyhound (aka Ced). He likes nothing more than being bothered by a juicy electrical problem. See this thread - it's about a 1984 R80:

http://www.bmbikes.org.uk/Forum/viewtop ... 15&t=22297

Scroll down and check out his fault finding list. It is well worth saving for future reference.

[dwerbil]

Thanks Airbear, but I got the sucker solved. It was the idiot light circuit board tabs that needed a bit of help. I had earlier cleaned them a bit along with the bulbs. But the generator bulb tab surface on one side was pitted a fair amount. I used a bit of aluminum foil folded several times then tucked under and over the circuit board bulb tab to beef it up a bit. With the bulb back in place it was now getting continuity through the bulb via the wiring loom pins. Got that?
Just put it all back together and on the bike. The generator idiot light shines brightly now.
Guess the instrument cluster circuit board is on its way out, and they're no longer available. Will have to go the used market sometime.
Over and out.

[Airbear]

Well done. If you can't find a good used circuit 'board' I suggest getting some thin sheet brass from a hobby store and soldering new tabs in.

[dwerbil]

Great idea, Charlie. I'll keep my eyes peeled.