Thanks everybody for the electrical suggestions. I am pretty good at
figuring out mechanical things – they make sense – but electrical
confounds me. So let me explain a little further and it might help
narrow the possibilities.
The first sign is a dim generator light when I turn the key. Of course
then the bike won't start. I check the voltage with a multi-meter and
it registers about half charge. I also may not be using the meter in
the best way, but the settings for DCV are 10, 50, 250 and 500, so I
set it at 50. The scale is not fine enough so that I get an extremely
accurate reading, and I'm guessing to the nearest volt or so. I
checked the battery this evening, about 24 hours after the charge, and
it looks to be holding while disconnected. Unless there is a
revelation that points to something specific, I'll try going through
your suggestions.
Thanks again!

Jeff

On Jul 9, 2009, at 2:47 PM, Rocky in Arizona wrote:

>
>
> Do you have a regluator or a cutout?
> Try disconnecting that next.
> Rocky AZ
>
> --- On Thu, 7/9/09, Michael Breeding <mbreeding@...> wrote:
>
> From: Michael Breeding <mbreeding@...>
> Subject: Re: [Virtual Indian] Voltage Leak
> To: VirtualIndian@yahoogroups.com
> Date: Thursday, July 9, 2009, 1:33 PM
>
> My original ignition switch leaks voltage on my 1939 Chief.
> Those 1939-40 switches are pretty primitive.
> I disconnect the fuse on the positive side of the battery when I
> park it after riding.
>
> Michael Breeding
> Website: http://www.mikesind ianparts. com
> Phone/FAX: 505-989-7884
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Jeff Reynolds
> To: Virtual Indian
> Sent: Thursday, July 09, 2009 1:27 PM
> Subject: [Virtual Indian] Voltage Leak
>
> Is there an accurate way to track down a slow voltage leak? My brand
> new battery (Big Boar Mini) has discharged enough twice now to where I
> can't start the bike. This last time took about two days. I charged it
> last night and disconnected the ground, so by tomorrow I should know
> if it is the battery itself. If the battery holds the charge, does
> anyone know where, or how, else to look?
> Thanks!
>
> Jeff
>
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>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



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