electrical problem

[sidevalve baz]

hello all
I have an electrical problem with my wlc.
Went for a ride on the old girl,stopped and parked for awhile when i came to start it again the oil/gen lights did not function .
I got it going but noticed that if i used the rear brake or used the horn it was going to cut out .
when i got home i tried the headlights same thing happens.
battery seems ok but i suspect a short .
anyone had this problem before and know where to start checking?.
any advice would be gratefully recieved.
bye for now
sidevalve baz

[kevscrivener]

Sounds more like a bad earth to me Barrie.

Check battery lead, they can go brittle and crack; also worth checking your dynamo output, has the adjustment slipped (assuming you're on the usual 3-brush type) and therefore it's not charging?

Basically a process of elimination I'm afraid. Had a similar prob on my first one which turned out to be a bad earth on the tail light but that didn't affect the ignition of course. You just have to be patient!

[Gray]

I'd check around the ignition / light switch. It's where lighting circuits and ignition circuits come together with plenty of opportunity to squidge wires.

[sidevalve baz]

hello kev and gray
thankyou for your prompt replies i shall look into the two areas mentioned.
hopefully this will stop me pulling all my hair out!!.
I will get back in touch when i have removed the gremlins !.
many thank,s
sidevalve baz

[Limey_Dave]

Looking at the diagram I can't see a direct link between all areas mentioned.My first thought is you have low battery voltage,enough to start and run but not to power lights,horn etc.
The ignition requires very little power,if the generator or battery goes on the road then a 6 volt lantern battery from a hardware store will take you miles in daylight with stoplamp disconnected.
The charge light is connected to the generator relay and there is a link behind the dash base between charge and oil lamp.



If the relay connection is faulty this could explain no warning lamps and low battery.
A badly worn switch can cause the pin in the contact roller to drop and short on the switch plate but then I don't think engine would run.
Have you got a wiring diagram,if not PM me an email addy and I'll send you one.
I can also give you contact details for a good reprint/copy WLC manual that covers everything including engine overhaul for around £12.He also does a good parts book.
The above goes for any established members,if your first post is "I'd like one of those",it ain't going to happen,for obvious reasons.

[sidevalve baz]

hi dave
thanks for your reply, i have wiring diagrams for my bike also a diagram from the previous owner who had it rewired .
the switch will be my next port of call as it has quite a bit of slack in it now.(mind you it is 61 years old)!.
the bike has a solid state relay fitted but i have no way of knowing how to check that.
well once again thankyou to everyone for your input it has been very helpfull.
adios
sidevalve baz