somethings cooking!

[cj7george]

I rode my 85 gl1200 ltd to work tonight and noticed that there is a burning smell coming from ender around the area of the steering head. I have had faint whiffs of what smells like burning wax in the recent past too, I know there are many wires that go past this area and am concerned that it might be the voltage regulator(again). I know that they normally get hot anyway but this smells like something is melting.I recently replaced it with a aftermarket one and have since heard that they can be problematic. Last time it went suddenly and took the digital dash, trip computer and some bulbs and fuses with it. Has anyone experienced a similar issue with a 1200?I guess that I will ride home in the morning with crossed fingers and remove the false tank for a peek. wish me luck, its a long walk from here.

[roscoepc]

If you used an Electrix and it lasted over one day, I'm suprised!! I'd also bet a dollar against a donut that's what you're smelling also. Good luck with her!!

[cj7george]

Sounds like nobody but the salesman that sold me the aftermarket regulator has had any luck with them. I know that they generate heat but if there is a very distinct burning smell, is that my clue to go back to the drawing board and purchase the oem one? The damage when they fail was pretty expensive on the first go around, don't wanna do that again. The aftermarket one would make a good paper weight I guess.

[roscoepc]

Yes, OEM is the way to go especially on the Ltd Ed and Aspy SEI which have the 500 watt stator versus the 350 watt stator on the other GL1200's. It's more expensive but it'll last compared to the aftermarket regulator.

When you install the new one, I assume you've hardwired the stator connector, Cut the connectors at the regulator and solder/heat shrink insulate all the wires there also.

Good luck with her!!

[cj7george]

Its been a few days since this post but I wanted to write and let you guys know that the problem was the yellow wire coming off the regulator or more specifically the plug was melting. I removed the faux tank and started the engine and immediately got smoke. The wire was also turning brown. Glad that I could smell it before it went up in flames or something. I have eliminated the plug and hard wired the connection. The plug on the 3 yellow wires near the battery has been eliminated and the fuse to the right of the battery has been converted to an automotive type plug in fuse. I hope that takes care of the wiring issues. The aftermarket regulator runs at 14.4 volts at speed so with my budget being tight i will run it and hope for the best. Thanks for all the input.

[roscoepc]

There is another 30 amp in-line dogbone fuse that you need to replace that's located behind the starter selinoid. Glad you found the problem!! 8)

[SIR tricky]

There is another 30 amp in-line dogbone fuse that you need to replace that's located behind the starter selinoid. Glad you found the problem!! 8)

Roscoe read his post again, he has already done the auto fuse conversion..... see ya in september, a few of us have a four day run planned down to Georgia.

[roscoepc]

OK. Mine had 2 dogbones Tricky. 1 on the starter selenoid and the other is behind the selenoid and I replaced both with an in-line fuse.

Looking forward to September!! Smuff coming too?

[SIR tricky]

What is the second one for, I am not familiar with the LTD

[roscoepc]

What is the second one for, I am not familiar with the LTD

To be honest Tricky, I really don't know what it feeds as I've not traced it yet! :oops: I found it way back when I first got her running and remembered it when I changed to the in-line fuses so I changed both out to be sure!

[SIR tricky]

I was just tracing for you If you look at the second fuse, it is a white wire. It goes to where the a bunch of relays are situated. It feeds 3 fuses which then turn to White/Green which then go to number 1 2 & 4 relays. It does get confusing but I think number 2 relay powers the air suspension pump.

Thats a freebie.... anymore your going to have to pay jees thats a rats nest of wiring on the LTD.