1986 trx200sx blows bulbs
 

Well I'm at the end of restoring a very clean 86 trx200 sx. I fired it up for the first time the other day and took it for a short ride and noticed after about 10 minutes the headlight blew, then noticed today the tail light also went out. May or may not be a problem... But have a feeling it may be an issue. Anyone else have this problem? What should I check first? Just thought I would toss this out to you guys before ripping into it.

Thanks,

Geo

Voltage regulator

Check the grounds. Give the ground on the voltage regulator a real hard looking over.

First thing, snag a multi-meter and take a voltage reading from the battery with the engine off, and with it revved up...

Thank you, I will do both and report back what I find tonight sometime.

Battery alone not running. 16.5. <------ ????????? Little high?
Not running at tail light 15.93
At tail light at idle 17.74
At tail light revving motor 19.0

Looks like I need to test the rectifier . The Honda manual says I have to use a certain voltage meter, I have a fluke should I be able to use it?

I'm open to any help or comments

Thanks,
Geo

That does sound high. I don't have a Honda manual for that model, but I don't see why you couldn't use your Fluke.

Clymer or Haynes manuals can be handy, since they often give you ways to do things without a specific Honda tool.

mine blows bulbs without the batter installed, its done it since new

Blowing with out the battery is normal. I have a what I believe to be a good battery.

Those voltage readings are indeed pretty high.

I'd assume either the rectifier/regulator plug isn't making good contact, or it is defective.