why won't my 1961 pan head keep a charge?

Question

The generator light stays on and when the head lights on it loses power quick? I just had the generator fixed and problem isnt fixed.

Answer 1

Have you checked the battery it could be shorted. If you are running without a battery I would say check the wiring from the generator to the lights and switches.

Answer 2

Any time the power is disconnected or battery goes dead you have to polarize the generator.This is done at the voltage regulater.take a short piece of wire and touch it from the Bat. (B+)terminal to the Gen.(D+) terminal. It just takes a quick touch.You will hear the reg. click.This should fix your problem.Good Luck.

Answer 3

The generator or regulator has not been repaired correctly or you have a wire crossed or grounded somewhere.Take the generator to a harley mechanic.Good Luck! Battery may be bad too and wont hold a charge.

Answer 4

Check the wiring harness where it enters the head light for a short to ground.Check with a volt meter that you are getting proper out put of voltage with engine running.Check the frame and battery ground for clean tight connection.

Answer 5

Did you Flash the field? Is the Regulator or relay any good? If it's a three brush(should be 2 brush with regulator) have you moved the third brush over to max? If you did and you are sure of the wiring, drive that puppy to the guy who rebuilt the Gen. and demand satisfaction............. Good luck!!

Answer 6

ANYTIME you disconnect a generator on a Harley, you need to re-polarize it, i. e., jump a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the positive terminal of the generator.
DO NOT DO THIS ON AN ALTERNATOR CHARGING SYSTEM!