Voltage Help

[arctichoward]

Got a 2000 Arctic cat 400 that i got used. Batterynever would stay charged, so i took it out ond was testing the volts that the regulator was putting out and its putting out 8-9 volts at idle. When ou rev it up the voltage drops to 3-5 volts, without any battery. Its got me all kinds of confused! Any help?
Thanks

[freeman45]

I have the same issue with my 2001 cat, battery keeps draining and I cant figure out why.

[Helmut]

You won't get an accurate reading if the battery isn't fully charged and installed in the ATV when you check the voltage. The voltage regulator has to sense the battery voltage to be able to properly regulate the voltage. However, without a battery installed, the voltage will usually read higher than normal. To be sure, I would get a good, fully charged battery and put in it and check the voltage at the battery with the engine running. If it's still low, you probably have a bad regulator/rectifier providing there is no wiring problems. Also, make sure the connection to the regulator/rectifier is clean and tight.