Lucky Me

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DogT

DogT

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Get back from the ride here in late November and been noticing peculiar function. Like it was missing when not accelerating or decelerating. I was thinking I messed with the slide stops, but couldn't figure how that would do it. Taking notice on the way back, very consistent, but not getting the feeling like it was going to quit. Get home, idles in the drive just fine. Turn off the petcock, ignition off. Pull the side cover and I hear a clunk. Take the cover off and the bolt for the negative lead is sitting on the battery tray next to the fender and the nut had fallen into the cover. I guess it was running on the charging circuit. Pazon. I was thinking it was feeling like missing spark. Time for nylocks on the battery bolts.

Lucky Me


Dave
69S
 
Things could get a little exciting if that lead had grounded to the frame!
 
It probably would have blown the 20A fuse I have in line there.

Dave
69S
 
A fuse?!!! Man, you're no fun. Yes, I think you are right and good thing too.
 
I doubt a tri-spark would have kept running. Yes the terminal is a bit large for the bolt, but the washer covers it. It was what I had in the drawer.

Dave
69S
 
DogT said:
Yes the terminal is a bit large for the bolt, but the washer covers it. It was what I had in the drawer.
Click to expand...


I'm fairly sure the greatest number of problems and breakdowns are caused by electrical faults and failures, but as far as the electrics are concerned, most people appear quite content to use whatever just happens to be lying around-but would never think of doing that when rebuilding an engine or gearbox etc..

.......strange isn't it? :)
 
L.A.B. said:
I'm fairly sure the greatest number of problems and breakdowns are caused by electrical faults and failures, but as far as the electrics are concerned, most people appear quite content to use whatever just happens to be lying around-but would never think of doing that when rebuilding an engine or gearbox etc..

.......strange isn't it? :)
Click to expand...
I'm sure the amperage contact area on that ring connector and the washer/battery terminal is orders of magnitude larger than the wiring capacity. It just didn't seem to be an issue to me. It's not like a gearbox where you have to use the correct parts.

Yes it was a good ride despite worrying about the missing, I kind of had a feeling it would get me home. It actually made me ride home faster. It's supposed to be sunny and 62F (17C) Friday. Then I can see that my issue was the negative terminal getting loose. It would be nice to know before I put it away for the winter (if it ever happens).

Dave
69S
 
DogT said:
I'm sure the amperage contact area on that ring connector and the washer/battery terminal is orders of magnitude larger than the wiring capacity. It just didn't seem to be an issue to me. It's not like a gearbox where you have to use the correct parts.
Click to expand...



That's exactly my point, (nothing to do with amps) as it never ceases to amaze me how easily some people who would meticulously rebuild a mechanical assembly with no expense spared will then go on to use whatever oddments they have for the electrics-even though it's the most likely thing to cause a breakdown and leave them stranded.

Somehow, I doubt that oversize connector would have been as secure as the correct size item. Yes, perhaps you were "lucky" but with a little more attention to detail, the situation could possibly have been avoided in the first place?
 
As far as I can see the only issue was the nut coming loose. I can solve that with a bolt and nylock. I really don't think it had anything to do with the ring terminal. But I'm not going to get in a tête-à-tête here, it's such a small issue. I won't even say it in Swahili because I can't.

Did you hear the one about the man from viagra...?

Dave
69S
 
DogT said:
it's such a small issue..
Click to expand...


Yes, a small issue-but one which could have left you stranded-had it not been easy to spot.


....good luck.
 
Dave,

Same thing happened to me a while back. The nut didn't come off but it was loose. I'm running a Boyer and it was getting hard to start. My ammeter was all over the place. I was almost to the point to get on the phone and order a new ignition, a new coil, and maybe a new stator just to be safe. I'm the worst pessimist I know. I was pulling the battery to put it on a charger when I caught it.

"Did you hear the one about the man from viagra...?"

Was it, "It's such a small issue, I don't know why you brought it up"?
 
If my nuts get any looser, they'll be going down the toilet. That water is cold and deep too.

Dave
69S
 
I have to agree with L.A.B on this one. Dave, it was most likely not the ring terminal size that caused the problem but the point I believe L.A.B was making is it is a mindset when rebuilding a project bike. I don't have the wealth of knowledge that most folks here have when it comes to rebuilding a Norton but I do have the ability not to cut corners on any part or item. I think your 750 is a nice machine and the bottom line is that things will go south if you follow the philosophy of shade tree workmanship.

Maybe something like these at $1.86 ?

Lucky Me
 
DogT said:
If my nuts get any looser, they'll be going down the toilet. That water is cold and deep too.

Dave
69S
Click to expand...

Your must live in marital bliss then. With my last ex-wife, just the sound of her voice would make mine shoot up into my stomach and stay there till the coast was clear.
 
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