Hi all, I've got an unwell alternator! I know the collection of parts on a motorbike are not really called that but as its all packaged as a single unit on the T509 I think its just about OK. How do I know its the alternator? ride the bike with lights on and it drains the battery, then won't start. I've made sure the battery is OK by monitoring it from fully charged and it holds a consistent charge for days, I've performed a leak test and that was fine and finally I completed an output test. The battery sits at around 13v with the ignition off and dips very slightly with ignition on. Rev the bike to 5,000rpm and the battery has around 5-6 volts. Doh! I removed the brush holder and brushes and they are plenty long enough (10mm) and clean and I have cleaned the slip's too. So my question is, have i missed out something? or do I just try my luck and buy something old and dirty from eBay or is there a secret stash of these units (or components) that I haven't found?
With apologies to electrical engineers..... I’m with S Jack. The alternator produces alternating current....a different wave form to the direct current stored and released by batteries. To make its output battery edible you have a rectifier (alternating to direct current) regulator (electrical ‘valve’ to prevent damaging power spikes) The alternator works like an electric motor in reverse. The engine spins magnets round electrical windings which creates a current in the windings. That current varies with engine speed. The probability is that the alternator is fine but the rec/reg is toast. A multimeter across the battery terminals, engine running, should read 12.6v to 14v ish as you rev the engine. Any less or no blip in output and you have no output. http://www.westcountrywindings.co.uk/applications.htm
Thanks for the replies fellas, useful information... But on the T509 the stator and reg/rec are all packages as a single unit. Triumph never made the components available separately hence me calling it an alternator. If the reg/rec is gone you might as well replace the whole thing. What I was really after is advice from someone with the same engine who's had a similar issue. Anyway I found a tested replacement alternator on eBay for a bargain. Thanks again. Here's a picture to show how it's all packaged together.
I was suggesting a test/repair of your unit as the best cost/quality route but great if eBay delivered a solution.
Make sure you also check the voltage regulator. 9 x out of 10 charging problems are related to a bad VR.
I agree. You set me thinking. Does the OP realise the regulator sits under the cover on the end of the alternator? See item 17. http://www.worldoftriumph.com/trium...r?block_01=&block_02=302747-2-2&block_03=9909 A lot of these bits are more generic/repairable than the OEM would have you believe.......
Yes I realise it's all together in one unit did anyone bother to read this? I've mentioned it myself a few times... I've also mentioned I've got a new reg/rec and stator...aka an alternator unit coming. Thanks all for your opinion on egg sucking techniques. It's been a trip!
Chill pill! I did read your 1st post......and your later one. I was trying to save you money. You asked if you’d missed anything.....well the regulator which IS separately available. Without knowing what you paid for a replacement..... Happy to be wrong. Natural condition with SWMBO!
