Author |
Message |
Midnightrider
| Posted on Monday, December 12, 2005 - 11:20 pm: |
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So I was playing around with some low, low draw mini LEDs I tapped into the brake light wire. I had lots of time, I figured - since they draw so little current. Genius that I am I forgot about the HEADLIGHT! Pretty soon the LEDs are fading and then it dawns on me - but not before the battery is too low to activate the starter. I finally get it going and it runs real rough. Its too cold to ride tonight so I let it idle and then notice the exhaust has got a significant amount of smoke and odor. Please tell me I didn't fry something. I don't think I'll be able to sleep until I know. I'll get a battery charger in the morning I just need some reassurance. Or the cold, hard truth. Gulp! |
Stevem123
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:20 am: |
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How long did it idle??? |
Midnightrider
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 12:22 am: |
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1-2 minutes |
Cataract2
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 08:49 am: |
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Doubt you fried anything. Rough idle from a low battery is normal being the bike is really trying hard to charge the battery while keeping itself running. Charge up your battery and give it another shot. |
Thunderbox
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 08:53 am: |
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My bike runs great but when cold at idle the exhaust is not the perfume it could be. Just make sure you recharge the battery well prior to riding any distance. I know on GM vehicles they do not recommend driving the vehicle to charge the battery as it causes the alternator to overheat. Lousy alternators I say but that is their recommendation. |
Windaddiction
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 09:08 am: |
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just be careful when a battery gets really low it puts a lot of extra strain on a charge by drawing a large amount of current! |
Midnightrider
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 01:48 pm: |
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Thanks a lot. Talked with the service tech this morning who said all of the same things. Now to buy a battery charger. Sounds like a new thread |
Dragon_slayer
| Posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 - 07:46 pm: |
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Just remember, vehicle charging circuits are designed to replace the energy used to normally start the vehicle and to supply the energy used to run the vehicle and some accessories. They were never meant to be stand alone battery chargers! Do your vehicles a favor and buy the correct size and type of charger your batteries need and follow the instructions. |