'75 JDX8 w/ CDI

Post by **Matt** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:38 pm

I'm working on figuring out why the lights are dim on my JDX8 w/ CDI. I see there are two hot wires coming from the stator to the wiring harness connector. I don't understand why. Different phase?

One side is at 15 volts, the other is only around 8 volts. Obviously the 8 volts would explain why I have dim lights, but I want to understand how it all works together.

Post by **Matt** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 12:11 am

Rich,

That is exactly what I did. Those measurements of 15 and 8 were VAC. I have an autoranging meter.

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 1:48 am

Matt,
Check this out and test the ohms of lighting circuit of the stator.
http://z12.invisionfree.com/jdsleds/index.php?showtopic=491
http://home.comcast.net/~psshd/CDI/lightingcoil1.jpg
There are 3 ciruits in the stator, 1 low speed winding, 1 high speed winding and the lighting circuit.
The lighting circuit wires are the green/yellow wires. To test the voltage of them, touch a probe from your meter to each wire at the same time. With the regulator disconnected, the voltage reading should 40 to 70 volts AC. A more accurate voltage test is done with the old style analog meter with a needle. The electronic meters are to sinsitive for low variable voltage.

Post by **Matt** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:27 pm

I've been sick all week so I haven't worked on it, but I went tonight just to take readings: 38-40 VAC, .4-.5 ohms. Borderline according to the specs. This should still be enough to run the system though, shouldn't it? If so, I guess the next step is to start cleaning grounds and contacts.

harleysportster · Post by **harleysportster** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:39 pm

Matt,
The next thing I would do is clean the connectors on the voltage regulator and take a volt reading with it plugged in. It should be in the 12 to 15 volt range. Test the terminal of the regulator to ground. Cleaning all the connector terminals and lighting grounds is a good idea also.

Post by **Matt** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 8:46 pm

Turns out I had two problems. First, the voltage regulator was causing the the undervoltage. I installed an NOS one. I also had some poor connections at the light switch, which would cause the power to drop out completely. All I need to do is button the console back up and it should be all set for Ride with the Champs.