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Battery toast? Testing?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Brendtron5000, Jul 18, 2007.

  1. Brendtron5000

    Brendtron5000 Member

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    A couple of times this bike has sat with a totally dead battery for a while. First time was about 4 days, then 3 days... while I tried to arrange to move it to the shop or was waiting for parts. I understand this can kill a battery, and I've been having electrical problems. Fuse box has been replaced and I've gone over the connections. Earlier I charged the thing right up and took it out for a spin -- dies if I brake hard and pull in the clutch. Headlights brighten when I rev...

    Took my battery to Can Tire, and was told they can't test it because it's too small and doesn't fit in the machine. He hooked a multimeter up to it, which I did myself earlier, and got 11.90 volts. Checked output with the bike at 2000rpm earlier and got 13.8v. Not perfect, but should be charging, right? Brushes are good, checked them a couple weeks ago.

    Any other way to confirm it's my battery that's dying? Maybe I should just take the plunge and buy a new one. If it turns out that's not the problem I'll just Craigslist it.

    I've read a suggestion in another thread to check the voltage regulator. Haynes gives some instructions that involve testing it with the quick connect still connected... do I just shove the probes in the back then?
     
    Brendtron5000, Jul 18, 2007
    #1
  2. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    check it under load
    put it in the bike and turn the key on but don't start it, now read your voltage

    heres what i get
    14.5 at 2k
    12.3 on
    12.5 off
     
    Polock, Jul 18, 2007
    #2
  3. Oblivion

    Oblivion Active Member

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    How old is the battery? If it's more than a couple of years, just spring for a new one.
     
    Oblivion, Jul 18, 2007
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  4. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    These batteries have to shoot a lot of amps for their small size. That means lots of plates very close together.

    Sitting dead allows sulfate deposits to build up on the plates and bridge the gaps.

    Replace. And get a trickle charger.
     
    MiCarl, Jul 18, 2007
    #4
  5. crewwolfy

    crewwolfy Member

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    Similar question to the OP.

    The bike (XJ650R) wouldn't earlier this week, so I cleaned the air filters (cone pods) and recharged the battery. Fired right up the next day. Took it for a short ride through the rain that night. Tried to start it up this mornng, the starter turns it over, but it's not starting. Could this just be the battery? Or is it more likely a flaw in the electrical system? Battery's probably at least two years old.
     
    crewwolfy, Jul 19, 2007
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