CB550K3 altternator output.

[Ashdowner]

Just checked the alternator output on my K3. At with the headlight on (it also has electronic ignition) the most I get on the voltmeter across the battery is 12.8v no matter how much I rev it. Shouldn't it be more than that? The battery is only a year old and has been charged on the optomizer so I think it's ok.

[paul G]

Ash, if your getting that at the battery I would surges it is the regulator rather than the alternator.
There are many links on here to the servicing of the regulator someone should be able to point you in The right direction.

[Ashdowner]

Thanks Paul. I've found a link that tells me how to troubleshoot charging problems. Went for a ride and when I came back all I could get was 11.8v across the battery with the engine running. Not good.

[paul G]

Ash,
           Just run through it methodically one point at a time. Check the three output wires to ground there should be infinity no reading on all three wires. Do this with it in place as the windings can short to ground in site but read OK when off the bike.
Run through the rest of the steps one by one. Make sure all the earth points are good.

[Bryanj]

Definately sounds like either regulator or bad connection on the plug to generator