Alternator or something else?

[ffltstn]

For a while now I have been having battery/charging problems. If I don't plug into the charger every night I run the risk of not being able to start at some point the next day. I have checked the voltage with both my onboard volt meter as well as hooking up my hand held. The voltage fluctuates 13.4, 14.0, 13.6, 13.4, 13.9 etc. No pattern and never stays at one reading more than about 10 seconds. It also very rarely get above 14.0v. I think it's the rectifier but since that is parts of the alternator will I have to replace it? Could it be something else? Any checks I should perform?
Ken

[vxiirider]

If you have not done it already check to make sure that the trunk light switch has not loosened up and is allowing the light to remain on even when the trunk is closed.
I disconnected mine and wired in a power outlet to use for charging various electronic gadgets.

[ffltstn]

Got rid of trunk light long ago. I don't think is being drained as much as I think it's not charging right or holding a charge.
I haven't been able to take battery for a test yet I need to bike to get to work right now.

BTW it's 81 degrees here today!
Ken

[crash33]

If its going down during the day and only starting well after the charger has been on, I would be looking at the battery and or the connections. the voltage charging should be enough to keep the battery hot enough.
I would go for a load test on it

[gearheadfla]

My rule of thumb for me is when the battery is 2 years old, say goodbye. I also find if it has ever been discharged all the way, it don't come back, on your XII if the alt is not charging the first clue while riding is the turn signals won't self cancel, not long after that it will start running like crap then die, trust me, it won't go far (ask me how I know, thank God for ROK roadside). I would take a good look at your battery and connections, the radio will drain the battery IF parked for a couple weeks and not ran. Remember, the alts job is not to charge a dead battery but to keep it charged, I always plug in a Battery Tender when I put any of my bikes away even overnight. Yes a battery will live over 2 years but I'm spastic about breaking down on a trip, these things a heck to push.

[cushman eagle]

It looks like your alternator is always charging above 13 volts,which should be enough to keep a good battery charged . As others said,check connections first,if that does not fix it,do a battery check.

[96desertXII]

I vote its the battery, anything over 13 volts and the alternator is doing its thing.

[Mr Jensee]

It's the battery. Check the voltage after full charge to see what the standing voltage is. It might show normal but under load the voltage will drop significantly. Probably a bad cell. I suggest replacing it with a quality AGM battery.

[ffltstn]

It is a AGM, Westco 12v22 but it is a number of years old. What had me confused is the fact that the voltage was jumping around so much, thought "maybe" the regulator might be going. I am taking the battery in tomorrow to be tested. Might go back to an Odessesy.
Ken

[doug of so fla]

If you put a volt meter on your battery and look at it as you press the starter , if it drops below 11v, the battery is weak.

[Barry]

Poor man's load check: turn ignition key on and take voltage reading. then just TOUCH the starter button to turn on the headlight(don't start engine). battery reading should drop about half a volt, if it drops 2-3 volts or more, the battery is history and should be replaced.

[forplay]

I would disconnect the battery, fully charge and check voltage, let it sit for 24 hours and recheck voltage. If OK then put a load tester on it. That will tell you if the battery has dropped a cell or not. I agree with everyone though. It's probably the battery. If you find that the battery is good, you can hook up an amp meter in line with the positive side of the cable and check the amp draw. I would remove the headlight assembly 1st and remove the fuses for the radio memory. With the fuses out from the back of the radio you shouldn't be drawing any amps. If you are then start removing fuses until you find what is drawing on the battery.

[ffltstn]

Had the battery checked and it came back bad. Bought a new AGM and was back in business. But I'm not 100% sure there is not an alternator or some other issue. I don't always show over 13v when I rev the engine. I'll do some more checking.
Thanks
Ken

[ekap1200]

Had the battery checked and it came back bad. Bought a new AGM and was back in business. But I'm not 100% sure there is not an alternator or some other issue. I don't always show over 13v when I rev the engine. I'll do some more checking.
Thanks
Ken

And it won't when the battery is fully charged. the regulator will raise the voltage and current as the ( load or the internal resistance of the battery require ) I'm not saying you definitely don't have any other issues. But mostly the brush's will wear out before the electronics will fail, if there are not other issues with loads on the alt or some other mishap has happened.