1958 Triumph 3TA.

[Telsan]

Got a bit of a charging issue with my 1958 3TA. The bike runs fine, only shortish journeys mind you in the daylight and when it’s dry ( well after all I’m 75 this year). The amp needle shows when running just below the zero and doesn’t show a charge even when reving, Also shows quite a discharge when I switch the pilot light on and an even bigger discharge when the headlight is switched on when running even at quite high revs. I changed the regulator under the seat but with no difference. I now have been advised to change the wiring loom. I know she’s an old girl and still running on the original 6 volt system, much loved though and the wiring is a bit of a mess. I tend to charge the battery up every fortnight or so in the garage.
Just wondered if anybody has any tips or ideas for me, thanks for taking the time to read this. ........Telsan.

 

[CarlS]

GrandPaul may be able to help you. He will be along shortly.

@grandpaul

 

[triumph david]

Have you checked any connections, cleaned any connections ect.

 

[Telsan]

Have you checked any connections, cleaned any connections ect.

Hi, thanks for the reply, I will check that out ASAP.

 

[grandpaul]

I am not very familiar with the 6 volt systems, but the issue might be your Zener diode dumping charge below the minimum voltage. (that would be my advice regarding a 12 volt system)

[EDIT]
Re-reading your post, I see you mention "regulator"; is that a small "box" with 2 or 3 wires? If you changed it for a new one and that didn't fix it, you could have a magnetically weak alternator rotor, and/or decaying alternator stator winding insulation.

 

[grandpaul]

I do NOT believe your wiring loom is an issue, apart from of course a possible broken or loose connection, or dirty/corroded contacts somewhere.

 

[Telsan]

I am not very familiar with the 6 volt systems, but the issue might be your Zener diode dumping charge below the minimum voltage. (that would be my advice regarding a 12 volt system)

[EDIT]
Re-reading your post, I see you mention "regulator"; is that a small "box" with 2 or 3 wires? If you changed it for a new one and that didn't fix it, you could have a magnetically weak alternator rotor, and/or decaying alternator stator winding insulation.

Thanks for your advice much appreciated, you obviously know a lot more of the workings of the 3TA than me, I’m a more of a plugs and points man if you know what I mean. Magnetically weak, decaying stator......sounds a bit like me!!
Yeah, under the seat near the battery a small about 2” square unable to get into box with I think 4 spade clips for different wires. I have got a new harness/loom for it and am getting it fitted by someone who knows what they are doing! I suppose even if it’s not the loom it isn’t a bad thing to re wire because the original wiring is a bit shot at. Thanks again for your time and advice. T

 

[Telsan]

I do NOT believe your wiring loom is an issue, apart from of course a possible broken or loose connection, or dirty/corroded contacts somewhere.