QuestionI'm having trouble with wiring. It won't charge. Headlight won't even stay bright. It won't charge as I'm driving. What can I do to fix it; I've tried everything I can think of.
AnswerFrank, start here:
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/WiringDiagrams/MCwiring.php
You haven't told me what you have and haven't done, so far. I don't know what you have and haven't thought of..
Parts in the system include the ignition switch, battery, rectifier, stator windings, wiring, handlebar lighting switch.
With the engine running, you should have AC voltage on the yellow, white and pink wires. The wires should not indicate a ground, when checked with an ohm meter (engine off!). If stator is good, follow the wires and connectors up to the rectifier, also the white one will go off into the harness and come out in the headlight dimmer switch.
When the lights are turned ON, the white wire connects back to the rectifier through the switch, adding more current to the charging system to help keep the battery charged.
On a bike this old, you have to inspect ALL wiring connections and grounds to ensure that the harness is capable of delivering voltage where needed.
Always start with a fully charged battery when testing. The system WILL NOT charge up a dead battery. Be sure that the brake light switch is not activated during normal running. If it is not adjusted correctly, the brake light will draw more than the charging system can provide and your battery will die along with the rest of the bike. This is a BATTERY operated ignition system, NOT a magneto.
Bill Silver
