Troubleshooting electrical issues

83 xj 650 maxim Had on trickle charger for winter and has a dead battery. Can jump but bike only runs for 5 min. im an automotive guy never dealt with bikes, where the hell is the alternator??? also i seem to have in intermediate clicking coming from the coil packs, sounds kinda like theres a short inside. Any suggestions?

 

Pull the Battery
Charge it up FULL Charger.
Have the Cranking Amps Test performed.

The Alternator is on the Left side.
The Pound Cover to the Left of the Starter.
3 Bolts.
Remove bolts.
Remove Cover.
L@@K --> Inside <-- Cover.
Examine Brushes for Length: Measure.
10mm or shorter: Replace!

 

Removed battery filled up cells. Pulled cover off alternator, brushes are longer than 10 mm. can i perform the cranking amps test with a fluke?

 

Thanks for walking me through this electrical thing isnt my forte....

 

so can you preform the cranking amps test with a fluke?

 

If the clicking sound happens when you are pressing the starter button, it is probably caused by the starter motor dragging the battery voltage down. This causes the starter solenoid to click in and out quickly.

Fluke make many meters so i am guessing you want to use a DC current clamp on the thick wire going from the battery? DO NOT try to use a regular meter on the amps/shunt range as it will explode! Be aware that the TCI electronic ignition doesn't like low voltages, so the engine may crank but the TCI doesn't trigger a spark.

If the cells have been low all winter, the battery probably wants replacing but I would charge it up then try to start the bike.

It may be an idea to bump start the bike, so the cranking is not an issue.

Once the bike is running, see if the alternator/regulator is working by measuring the voltage across the battery. It should rise slowly, when the revs are above 2500. In the range 13.5-14.5v.

Sorry to state the obvious, but it sounds like you need a manual!