Forum

[Dean]

guess this should be its own thread. took the cover off to play with the clutch and noticed that when the bike is running there is a small trail of smoke coming from the alternator - specifically from one of the junctions of wires that run between the spools of copper wires - the wires are twisted together (normally) at several of these junctions, but only one is smoking and gets hot.

[grunda 12]

hi dean ,it sounds like your alternator is shorting maybe you have a loose connection ,i have seen alternators burn out recently the four wire type ,luckilly they are cheap to replace atb paul.

[simon]

Alternatively the rotor could be interfering with the stator slightly. I suggest you either check the gap with a brass feeler gauge or a thin piece of plastic.

[Alan R]

Hi guys ---------- SIMON, promise not to bite my head off ?? I would advise against looking for the "Holy Grail" of Enfield Alternators ie.}--- that elusive "Even gap" 'twixt rotor and stator all the way around, as you can spend literally hours tapping--tweaking---tapping again on the stator housing trying to balance-off the final thou or two....... Better I think to make sure there is a gap at each stator pole face, even if they vary a little........................... Mine's been like that now for well over 12 months and ( as of this morning's run) is still charging ( I hope it still will be tomorrow morning !!)--------- That smoking may be a dry joint (solder--not hash !!) which could give rise to a local overheating, maybe...Could be time to consider fitting one of our hosts Encapsulated Stators ??

[Dean]

thanks for the recommendations guys. the spacing seems adequate and the system is charging normally. think I'll just put the cover on and see how it goes - would assume the ATF would cool off the hot wires. wiill order new parts for the long term fix - what the heck, I've replaced nearly everything else on this bike.

[simon]

Not the head biting sort me so no worries there Alan also I agree that the pursuit of an even gap is an unachievable quest, however I insist that there must be a gap even if erratic in size as otherwise you will have friction, heat and smoke.