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09-09-2009, 07:08 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 4
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Possible Alternator or Regulator Problem?
I am new to this forum and new to owning a Harley as well. Been around them my whole life but don't know too much. I bought a 1981 Lowrider with a Shovelhead about two months ago (I was aware of the headlight problem when I bought it). When I roll on the throttle, the headlight dims; when I let off the throttle the headlight brightens back up. I checked the headlight bulb and battery and they are both good, which leads me to think it is a problem with the alternator, regulator, or wiring.
Has anyone come across this problem before?
Are there any tests I can do to see if the alternator or regulator is the problem?
In the meantime I will be checking out the wiring. Any help is appreciated. Thank You for your time!!
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09-09-2009, 11:05 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Appalachian American
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lexington Ky.
Posts: 3,827
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Pathdreamer if you ll go to THe New to the Community page and say Hello you ll get a much better responce to your Question.
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THE HERD # 0001
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09-10-2009, 11:25 AM
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#3 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Lincoln, CA
Posts: 4
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Thanks for the heads-up XDixiecratX!
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09-19-2009, 11:25 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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What?
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Brazos, Texas
Posts: 2,330
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As long as everything puts out the required voltage, then I bet it's the wiring.....
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09-19-2009, 12:14 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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SNAFU organizer
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1,634
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Think Maybe just a bad headlight ground??? What about the other lights??
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09-19-2009, 01:23 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Miles City,Montana
Posts: 1,315
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I had a problem with the horn on my 76 FLH,in wet or misty conditions the horn would work,when it was hot and dry,no horn.
I installed a ground wire from the triple tree to the frame and that fixed the problem.  
Do`nt get a good ground through bearings and grease.
Also,Welcome to the forum.
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Herd Number,triple Zero three zero
If Ya do`nt want to do an intro then expect no answers.
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09-20-2009, 04:42 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ga
Posts: 27
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light switch
If it's not the ground i believe the switch contacts are oxidized pasing low voltage to the light. run a jumper wire from the battery to the light positive an then the neg. will tell the truth. my thoughts Bud
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09-21-2009, 05:41 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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senior citizen
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Port Washington , WI
Posts: 700
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If the battery was out or disconnected the regulator should be " flashed " , repolorized . Then test the voltage at the battery with ignition off , should be at least 12.5v , then test with the engine running , should be at least 13v . If there's more voltage running than when off the charging system is working to a degree .
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09-21-2009, 06:53 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 525
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Sounds like you just need to give your bike to me. I'd take a Shovel with a dim headlight. Thanks, bud!
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 2009 FXDB Street Bob
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09-21-2009, 12:52 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Miles City,Montana
Posts: 1,315
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sirbOOm
Sounds like you just need to give your bike to me. I'd take a Shovel with a dim headlight. Thanks, bud!
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 Or Me,I love them Shovels. 
__________________
Herd Number,triple Zero three zero
If Ya do`nt want to do an intro then expect no answers.
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