My 1971 BMWR60/5 motorcycle has a similar system. If the Alternator
warning bulb dies, it disables the charging system AND can't warn you
because the bulb is fried.
>Firstly, if the lamp burns out, it's likely that the alternator won't
>start (the residual magnetism is not normally enough to get it going). So
>the battery isn't being charged. But as the lamp has burnt out, it
>doesn't light to show this.
>More seriously, if the field winding or brushes fail, then there won't be
>enough current flowing to turn the bulb on (the first couple of regulator
>stages take almost no current). Even though the battery isn't charged.
>I'm not sure what this lamp is supposed to show, but the most common
>alternator problem -- worn brushes -- doesn't turn it on. Don't ask how I
>found this out...
Not to mention my alternator is very weak by design. Just enough to power
externals, ignition, and charging only to the point of maintainence. A
hard start never really is paid back by the alternator unless the ride is
more than 20 to 100 miles.
Jeff
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Jeffrey S. Worley
President
Complete Computer Services, Inc.
30 Greenwood Rd.
Asheville, NC 28803
828-277-5959
THETechnoid_at_home.com
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Received on Thu Oct 12 2000 - 22:02:58 BST