Author Topic: Elec-trick-al  (Read 5640 times)

Online Angus

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #75 on: 05.07. 2017 18:50 »
Mine are 6 volt 2 and the pair fit nicely in the Lucas battery box
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Offline Worty

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #76 on: 05.07. 2017 19:54 »
I can see how a pair would fit into the battery box - wired in parallel to make twice the ampage I presume.
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Online Angus

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #77 on: 06.07. 2017 09:06 »
Yes Wired in Parallel as the Notrun (opps  *evil*) is 6 volt negative earth, with a OLD mechanical regulator.
1961 A7 since 1976, 1960 A10 Gold Flash Super Profile Bike
1958 Matchless G80 Project, 1952 Norton Model 7 Plunger
1950 Triumph T100, 1981 Ducati Pantah 500, 1959 AJS model 20

Offline Worty

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #78 on: 08.07. 2017 23:47 »
Ok folks, looks like it was battery issues.  Took the old girl out for a 110m workout today and everything worked perfectly.  Ammeter showed normal charge until battery was full.  Switched lights on and ammeter remained in the middle until tickover when it dropped - battery took over.  Increase revs and ammeter returns to the middle.
If these Powersonics continue to be reliable then they may be worth getting.  They do look to be reasonable quality for the price.
One last thing on this topic.  Are there any problems with parallel wiring two batteries of different ampage?  For example, can I put an 8Ah and a 13Ah together?

Cheers all for your suggestions.  Was nice to be on the bike with all working as it should - could have ridden all day round the Yorkshire Dales!
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Offline Worty

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #79 on: 08.07. 2017 23:53 »
By the way, chaterlea25 (John) gets the prize for guessing it was the battery.  Prize is feeling really smug and generally pleased with yourself.  *smile*
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Offline Greybeard

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #80 on: 09.07. 2017 08:46 »
Ok folks, looks like it was battery issues.  Took the old girl out for a 110m workout today and everything worked perfectly....
... could have ridden all day round the Yorkshire Dales!
I'm thinking of doing the BSAOC West Yorkshire camp this year. Are you likely to be there?
Greybeard (Neil)
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Offline Worty

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #81 on: 09.07. 2017 12:47 »
Very possibly Greybeard, where would I get details....?

Living near Wakefield there are loads of good rideouts nearby (Peaks, Yorks Dales and Moors).  Just watch out for the despicable hidden mobile speed camera nests if you're pottering about.  Saw one yesterday on the A59 near Bolton Abbey and the village of Draughton.  Don't get me wrong, I don't mind coppers catching the nutters, but these units have no deterrent value (cos you don't know they're there), only punitive, cash raising value (I see it as more road tax).  Much prefer fixed cameras at dangerous spots.

Cheers
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Offline Greybeard

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #82 on: 09.07. 2017 15:57 »
Quote from: Greybeard
I'm thinking of doing the BSAOC West Yorkshire camp this year. Are you likely to be there?
Very possibly Greybeard, where would I get details....?
See image. I presume you are not a BSAOC member. I don't think anyone would object to you tagging along if you tell them you are thinking of joining the club.

Turns out you are only about 6 miles away!
Greybeard (Neil)
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Offline Worty

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #83 on: 11.07. 2017 22:52 »
Actually Greybeard, I'm only about 1m away from the Cross Keys pub - never knew they were there!

Just to confirm, had three batteries that all failed.  First was a cheap lead-acid which ruined my r/h silencer when it pumped battery acid all over it.  Next two were Westcos that both failed within weeks with the strange, intermittent fault which foxed me.  I now have a sealed unit Powersonic 8ah which is performing perfectly at present.  Thought I'd try a shot at getting something back from Westco/MK batteries to see if they'd replace the second failed battery - they did!  As of today, I have one lead acid and three Westcos sitting in my garage, three are scrap and the third (Westco) works well under test.  All batteries are less than 12 months old!!

To reduce the risk of vibration scrapping the batteries, I use about three layers of rubber all round the battery to protect it.  Should be getting a pile of stick on 'bumpons' soon which I'll use too.  As for the metal battery strap, not any more, it got lost after shaking itself free on a run and now decorates one of the rural, West Yorks roads.  I now use an old, black leather belt which gives far better anti-vibration properties!  BSAs - bloody hell!
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Offline Greybeard

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #84 on: 11.07. 2017 23:01 »
Actually Greybeard, I'm only about 1m away from the Cross Keys pub - never knew they were there!
No excuses then  *smile*
Greybeard (Neil)
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A Distinguished Gentleman Riding his 1955 Plunger Golden Flash

Offline Black Sheep

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #85 on: 11.07. 2017 23:02 »
With batteries wired in parallel, it's possible or likely that one will have a fractionally higher voltage across the terminals than the other. When that happens, you get a tiny current run through them which quietly discharges the batteries. Just something to consider.
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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #86 on: 11.07. 2017 23:07 »
You never know Greybeard, you never know!

Cheers Black Sheep, reckon I'll stick to the single battery and use the (working) Westco as backup.

Happy riding!!
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Offline dave55

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #87 on: 12.07. 2017 07:29 »
And I live about a mile tother way  *smile*
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Offline duTch

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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #88 on: 10.06. 2018 18:39 »

 Just curious if this is all well and ended well ?

 Also curious how the Lead acid battery 'dumped' acid, or was it just vapour from vented caps, or badly run (or no) vent hose (I had that and now run batteries with dedicated vent pipe to as far back as possible- in my case bottom of Plunger unit)
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Re: Elec-trick-al
« Reply #89 on: 10.06. 2018 20:34 »
Cheers duTch

Turns out the problem was entirely with the batteries (Westcos), of which 3 (yes 3) all developed intermittent faults which would make it look as if the electrical problems were elsewhere (lights would take 10 secs to come on, sometimes not at all.  Ammeter was all over the shop!).  The latest, free Westco seems to be be better (No. 4) and has shown some reliability.  NB I only paid for one Westco, all the others were replacements within warranty!

As for the acid dump, it was actually no vent hose.  Battery was also duff and spat acid down the back of the oil tank and blew back across the silencer.  Later, I routed a vent hose to behind the gearbox where I attached the end to a small nasal spray container so any acid would be contained there.  It was a good plan as I found it half full of acid.  This was when I went for the 'glass mat' type of battery to eliminate the problem completely (created a whole new set of problems though).
Current Bikes😎
Kwaka W650
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Past Bikes👍
'49 B31
'59 BMW R60
Yam FS1-E, YB100, RS100, RD200DX,250DX,350B, XS750
MZ250