Fireblade elctrical fault...HELP?

[cashy]

blade electrical fault...HELP

I need some help guys. I have a problem with the electrics on my westy blade. On the way to Northampton on Saturday the car died on me and the result was that the battery was completely flat and so the car wouldnt run. Got sorted out with a new battery and the car ran great for the next 150 miles.

On the way back from the Chester show yesterday the car started to show the same symptoms as Saturday, started to refuse to rev over 6k and then eventually just stopped. Same again battery dead.

I have re charged the new battery now and the car starts no problem, checked to see if the engine is re charging the battery and it is DEFO charging.

Has anyone got any ideas what to look for next?

[moomin]

Cooked regulator/rectifier? Have a rummage on the Yahoo BEC list, and/or WSCC forum, there will be some info on there about changing the Blade rectifier.

moomin

[BobM]

cashy said:

I have re charged the new battery now and the car starts no problem, checked to see if the engine is re charging the battery and it is DEFO charging.

I'd first of all challenge your statement above - if the battery's definitely charging how does it end up flat? How do you know it's charging?

I'd suggest you have a look in the Haynes manual which details a procedure for checking the alternator output.

I agree with moomin though, rectifier's the likeliest culprit.

[cashy]

Yes its rather strange, could be an intermitent fault with the rectifier when engine gets warm or something.

[steve_D]

cashy said:

Yes its rather strange, could be an intermitent fault with the rectifier when engine gets warm or something.

Usually is heat/time related which is why it seemed to be charging. I'm assuming you checked it soon after starting it.

Steve

[BobM]

cashy said:

Yes its rather strange, could be an intermitent fault with the rectifier when engine gets warm or something.

Heat is an issue - someone makes a pattern replacement with a big heatsink.

The WSCC forum seems dead at the moment, but try a search on there. Alternatively ask in the BEC list. I see Gordon Griffin's replied to you in there - have you tested the alternator yet?

[Numptie]

cashy,

Do you have a FireBlade Haynes manual?

The reason I ask is that I happen to have one in front of me now.

If you wish, I could scan the appropriate pages (checking the reg/rect unit) and send them to you.

Cheers,

N

[cashy]

No i let my manual go with my last fireblade car!!!

I would appreciate the scans please when you get chance.

[e-mail]

engine is a 919cc `1998 and ABOVE

[Numptie]

Dumb(ish) question ... what reg was '98 ?

Cheers,

N

[Numptie]

S'ok, got it

[Numptie]

Cashy,

YHM.

Cheers,

N

[cashy]

cheers for the info, looks liek rain all weekend so i will have a look at the electrics on sat/sun.

[Numptie]

No probs

You've now got my work email address so give me a shout any time.

If you do do something over the weekend and need any more, my mobile number is on the signature of my email - don't hesitate.

All the best.

Cheers,

N

>> Edited by Numptie on Thursday 27th May 14:51

[cashy]

Should the rectifier get very hot within 5 mins?

[steve_D]

cashy said:

Should the rectifier get very hot within 5 mins?

Yes they do. Burnt fingers hot.

Not looked in detail at a modern bike but the bikes of my day had the rectifier mounted on the front tube of the frame. It got all the cool air it needed.
If yours is mounted inside the engine bay then this could be why it blew.
Steve

[cashy]

I wish the wiring was longer as i would mount it where theres more airflow near the radiator.

[steve_D]

cashy said:

I wish the wiring was longer as i would mount it where theres more airflow near the radiator.

Simple answer, if stating the obvious, extend it.
Steve

[cashy]

i would but my electrical skills dont go that far!!!

I will look into it more tomorrow when i am doing a few bits to the car.

cheers guys

[BobM]

cashy said:

I wish the wiring was longer as i would mount it where theres more airflow near the radiator.

Have you established yet if it's the regulator that's the cause of your problems? If so what are you replacing it with? If you're going with one of the uprated ones with a heatsink I would leave it where it is.

I'm using a standard regulator from a scrap bike mounted under the dash on the passenger side and have had no problems so far for what it's worth.