Forum

[Tim NZ]

As I said initially, check the fuel pump relay.


Next, that the fuel pump is actually pumping fuel.


Sounds you have a dodgy electrical connection somewhere...

[nigelphoto]

Papa, Revband, Rattlebattle I'm very sorry I started a right royal handbags on here - I can only go by what my Machine Mart £9.99 multimeter* says, and it tells me my new batt appears to be generously giving 13.2 v. With the old batt it said 12.4 v and wouldn't it turn it over, although I did manage to start it with a run and jump but then it ran like a bag a' nails. Perhaps to be helpful to Richy2spanners I should have said in my post 'If the battery is the OE Indian one and its more than 3 yrs old, throw it over the hedge' and leave out any mention of voltages? * Other (less crappy) multimeters are available.

[Dennis C]

Nigel, the cheap crappy multimeter is a bit like a Haynes manual, take it with a large pinch of salt.

There is a lot of misguided information about batteries and yes the voltage can vary from makes to make and different battery types but a 12 V battery is just that but a nominal rating so normally they are between 12.6v and 12.8v fully charged you should wait around two to three hours after charging or you will get a falsely high reading.

[Beezabryan]

If I had a bike that could not run unless the battery was fresh off the charger it would be straight on ebay.

being sensible I might suggest that Tim's advice be followed.

[Tim NZ]

To further fan the fires...


Quoting the Lucas Service manual for the RM19/21 alternator: The zenner diode (regulator) should NOT pass any current until 12.75v If current flows before 12.75v replace the diode.


At a 2 amp minimum charge rate, voltage MUST be no less than 13.5v, and a Max of 15.5v.


The 'Indian' Lucas 'RM' AC/DC alternator: A Minimum of 13v @ 2000rpm.


Quote from the Hard-copy W/s manual for the latter bikes with the 196w Nippon Denso alternator: Battery is fully charged @ 13.2v




For all intents and purposes, anything less than 12.75 v is inadequate for the effective functioning of the RE '12v' electrical system.

[Beezabryan]

"For all intents and purposes, anything less than 12.75 v is inadequate for the effective functioning of the RE '12v' electrical system."
As noted earlier if a bike needs a battery in "as new straight, off the charger" condition to function then it is of no use to me.

[Revband]

Hi Tim, your Lucas and Nippon Denso quote's are correct, but these figures are all in reference to test voltages for a battery when being charged as Dennisc says to correctly test a lead acid battery voltage it needs to stand uncharged for a few hours before measuring, as Papasmurf has found even the makers literature seems contradictory take a proper read of the link he posted, on one page it says 13.2v but continue reading to page 13? and there it gives the correct fully charged test voltage after allowing the battery to stand after charging, confusing I know, but that's electricary for you.

[bogie]

Hi all as I have said before on this forum I am so glad I ride a Bullet with standard electronics, no problems with EFIs,
relays,battery voltages etc. It just keeps going.
Ray.

[nigelphoto]

Beezabryan an EFI might not be the bike for you, but for some of us owing to age and decrepitude an electric start is the only way we can keep biking. To get a piddly little 14ah battery to turn over a big single at the same time as pressurising the fuel injector to 40psi is a big ask. Also, the OE battery is perhaps not of the best quality of manufacture. So its wise to replace the original with a reputable make and keep it charged and the bike will start every time. - even on a cold, dank, dreich winter's morning!

[Beezabryan]

You are right of course Nigel, age & decrepitude does take it's toll and whatever it takes to keep a man on road on two wheels has to be good.
Being 75 & half and afflicted with a trick spine, a dodgy left leg and the effects of C treatment I certainly need all the help I can get.
We still have the 25 year old Bullet 500 and the 65 year old Flash & a Box and while I can still get these old clunkers fired up I am a happy chappy