Messages In This Digest (12 Messages)

1.: Brake Fluid replacement From: thebubblepuppy2004

2a.: Cover for 'Rex 2000' From: wichita_zeb
2b.: Re: Cover for 'Rex 2000' From: Joe Barnhart

3a.: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: mattmanderachi
3b.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: rieger_cl
3c.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: BruceK
3d.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: BruceK
3e.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: BruceK
3f.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+ From: mattmanderachi

4.: Tupperware replacement - screws and clips From: Philip Cassel

5a.: Re: Anti freeze in air filter box From: omeltschenkokonrad
5b.: Re: Anti freeze in air filter box From: omeltschenkokonrad

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Messages

1.: Brake Fluid replacement

Posted by: "thebubblepuppy2004" bubblepuppy@dejazzd.com thebubblepuppy2004

Sun Apr 11, 2010 8:38 am (PDT)

I plan on replacing my brake fluid sometime in the near future. Having never ever done this before, I searched the archives first (like a good member, hehehe). I learned about & bought Speed Bleeders and read thru the manual for the procedure. As I'm also going to be ordering other parts shortly, I was wondering if it makes sense to order & replace the diaphragms off the bat, or leave well enough alone. If I order them and don't use them, is there any harm in keeping them for a later date? The rubber won't deteriorate via aging, will it? They are $6.38 ea., so cost is not the concern.

Also, is the "casting ledge" fill line below the top edge of the master cylinder? The way the manual photo shows it, with that black & white line, seems less than clear. Looks like the fill line is maybe 1/4" below the wall top. Yeah, I will see for myself when I open the thing, but thought I'd ask anyway.

Thanks

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2a.: Cover for 'Rex 2000'

Posted by: "wichita_zeb" edmondson.seth@gmail.com wichita_zeb

Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:01 pm (PDT)

Does anyone know of a good cover they would recommend for the Reflex. I just took the one out of the box I ordered from the local Honda dealer and it had some holes in it. I paid about $80 and can't help but feel that there's something better out there.

BTW: The storage location is going to be the carport.

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2b.: Re: Cover for 'Rex 2000'

Posted by: "Joe Barnhart" flaboye@gmail.com jtbgnsv

Sun Apr 11, 2010 4:05 pm (PDT)

I just buy the 15.00 ones off of ebay. They last about a year in the sun
and cold, mine have to stay in the yard, thus I keep them covered if not
riding them.

On Sun, Apr 11, 2010 at 7:01 PM, wichita_zeb <edmondson.seth@gmail.com>wrote:

>
>
> Does anyone know of a good cover they would recommend for the Reflex. I
> just took the one out of the box I ordered from the local Honda dealer and
> it had some holes in it. I paid about $80 and can't help but feel that
> there's something better out there.
>
> BTW: The storage location is going to be the carport.
>
>
>

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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3a.: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "mattmanderachi" mattmanderachi@yahoo.com mattmanderachi

Sun Apr 11, 2010 5:51 pm (PDT)

I'm trying to troubleshoot a dead battery/electrical issue and I would like to compare my observed voltages with other people. All tests should be from a 2004+ reflex since mine is a 2004. I'm trying to figure out if my charging system is working the way it should. Thanks in advance for the help.

With the scooter off, what voltage do you read for the battery? Mine is at 12.84 volts.
What voltage do you measure at the battery at idle? Mine is 14.38-14.44 volts.
How about idle with the high beam on? Mine is 14.27-13.75 volts.
And what are your numbers for these tests performed at 5000rpms? Mine is about 14.4 volts across the board.
Also, if you have accessories, what does your voltage read while running that at idle with the high beam on? With my heated grips on high, my voltage drops to 13.27-12.9 volts.

Thanks for the help!

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3b.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "rieger_cl" rieger@faircraft.com rieger_cl

Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:28 pm (PDT)

I have a voltage question myself, but first I need a voltmeter. Will any old voltmeter/multimeter do? Is any there any feature I need to look for for general Reflex troubleshooting?

Thanks.

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "mattmanderachi" <mattmanderachi@...> wrote:
>
> I'm trying to troubleshoot a dead battery/electrical issue and I would like to compare my observed voltages with other people. All tests should be from a 2004+ reflex since mine is a 2004. I'm trying to figure out if my charging system is working the way it should. Thanks in advance for the help.
>
> With the scooter off, what voltage do you read for the battery? Mine is at 12.84 volts.
> What voltage do you measure at the battery at idle? Mine is 14.38-14.44 volts.
> How about idle with the high beam on? Mine is 14.27-13.75 volts.
> And what are your numbers for these tests performed at 5000rpms? Mine is about 14.4 volts across the board.
> Also, if you have accessories, what does your voltage read while running that at idle with the high beam on? With my heated grips on high, my voltage drops to 13.27-12.9 volts.
>
> Thanks for the help!
>

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3c.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com bruceakoehler

Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:45 pm (PDT)

You really don't need values from a 2004 - or any Reflex for that matter. This stuff is all "standard" for all 12v vehicles.

Engine off - battery should read above 12.5 volt charged.
Below 12.2 or so means a charge is needed.

Alternator output (charging voltage) should be 14.4 volts - up to 15.5 volts - around 2500 RPM.

A good general rule is that you need a volt higher than the static battery voltage in order to charge a battery.

Never disconnect a battery cable while the engine is running - the removal of that load can seriously damage the electrical system.

Never jump the scooter to a RUNNING car or use the FAST or START position on battery chargers - that can result in higher voltages than the system can tolerate. Always have a battery in the circuit (don't hook a charger up as a power supply with no battery in the circuit).

It sounds like all your readings are normal.

Hope that helps

Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
Santa Cruz, CA

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "mattmanderachi" <mattmanderachi@...> wrote:
>
> I'm trying to troubleshoot a dead battery/electrical issue and I would like to compare my observed voltages with other people. All tests should be from a 2004+ reflex since mine is a 2004. I'm trying to figure out if my charging system is working the way it should. Thanks in advance for the help.
>
> With the scooter off, what voltage do you read for the battery? Mine is at 12.84 volts.
> What voltage do you measure at the battery at idle? Mine is 14.38-14.44 volts.
> How about idle with the high beam on? Mine is 14.27-13.75 volts.
> And what are your numbers for these tests performed at 5000rpms? Mine is about 14.4 volts across the board.
> Also, if you have accessories, what does your voltage read while running that at idle with the high beam on? With my heated grips on high, my voltage drops to 13.27-12.9 volts.
>
> Thanks for the help!
>

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3d.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com bruceakoehler

Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:51 pm (PDT)

I should have added that the BATTERY need to be TESTED under a LOAD - disconnected from the scooter.

Take it to a auto supply - they will usually do it for free.

My guess is that if you have a 2004 scooter, don't waste your time - just replace the battery... you can count on about 3 years for a battery - unless it has been run dead several times - then much less.

For what it's worth

Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
Santa Cruz, CA

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "mattmanderachi" <mattmanderachi@...> wrote:
>
> I'm trying to troubleshoot a dead battery/electrical issue and I would like to compare my observed voltages with other people. All tests should be from a 2004+ reflex since mine is a 2004. I'm trying to figure out if my charging system is working the way it should. Thanks in advance for the help.
>
> With the scooter off, what voltage do you read for the battery? Mine is at 12.84 volts.
> What voltage do you measure at the battery at idle? Mine is 14.38-14.44 volts.
> How about idle with the high beam on? Mine is 14.27-13.75 volts.
> And what are your numbers for these tests performed at 5000rpms? Mine is about 14.4 volts across the board.
> Also, if you have accessories, what does your voltage read while running that at idle with the high beam on? With my heated grips on high, my voltage drops to 13.27-12.9 volts.
>
> Thanks for the help!
>

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Messages in this topic (6)
3e.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "BruceK" bruce@aplusservices.com bruceakoehler

Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:54 pm (PDT)

Get a DIGITAL meter - they generally won't load the circuit (although for testing scooter circuits, that's pretty irrelevant).

There's some nice ones at Sears for around $30 that are auto-ranging, have a rubber protective housing, ect. - very robust.

Bruce

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "rieger_cl" <rieger@...> wrote:
>
> I have a voltage question myself, but first I need a voltmeter. Will any old voltmeter/multimeter do? Is any there any feature I need to look for for general Reflex troubleshooting?
>
> Thanks.
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "mattmanderachi" <mattmanderachi@> wrote:
> >
> > I'm trying to troubleshoot a dead battery/electrical issue and I would like to compare my observed voltages with other people. All tests should be from a 2004+ reflex since mine is a 2004. I'm trying to figure out if my charging system is working the way it should. Thanks in advance for the help.
> >
> > With the scooter off, what voltage do you read for the battery? Mine is at 12.84 volts.
> > What voltage do you measure at the battery at idle? Mine is 14.38-14.44 volts.
> > How about idle with the high beam on? Mine is 14.27-13.75 volts.
> > And what are your numbers for these tests performed at 5000rpms? Mine is about 14.4 volts across the board.
> > Also, if you have accessories, what does your voltage read while running that at idle with the high beam on? With my heated grips on high, my voltage drops to 13.27-12.9 volts.
> >
> > Thanks for the help!
> >
>

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3f.: Re: Want to compare voltages--anyone with a voltmeter and a 2004+

Posted by: "mattmanderachi" mattmanderachi@yahoo.com mattmanderachi

Mon Apr 12, 2010 5:10 am (PDT)

Thanks for all the feedback so fast! I tested my scooter against my car (2002 honda civic si) to what the readings were there. At idle, my car battery measured about 15.5 v and then with the highbeams, radio blasting, and A/C on full, the voltage was up around 17.xx volts. I wasn't sure if the Reflex's charging system should show increased output as I increased the demands.

I recently had my battery completely die on me leaving me stranded and I just wanted to test everything to make sure it won't happen again because of a scooter malfunction.

On another note, I tested the resistance across the yellow wires on the alternator coil and on the rectifier and it measured .7 for both. The factory service manual states it should be between .1 and .5 as a normal range of resistance. In your opinion, would you replace electrical components if the resistance was .2 higher?

Thanks again!

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4.: Tupperware replacement - screws and clips

Posted by: "Philip Cassel" casselp_2000@yahoo.com casselp_2000

Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:03 pm (PDT)

Look in YP (phone) or web local for fastener wholesale suppliers; locally in Sunnyvale, CA there is Oleander, who seem to have every imaginable fastener in bulk form. They have a $10 minimum, but that's easily met- metric, SAE or even (Whitworth mebbe, I haven't tried).
Staff is very capable and prompt, tho they usually service the local hi-tech firms, they do mail-order, too.
BTW, I had some success replacing those fragile plastic trim tabs with metal equivalents- the trick is to find the right dimensioned bracket that can be epoxied or screwed in place with countersunk screws or rivets that are bondo'ed over and finished to original surface. Large broken-out sections can be replaced with portions of cut-up plastic bucket (the white commercial sort made for paints and chemicals). Cut and sand to shape then use fiberglass tape and epoxy on the inside to secure in place. Finish with wet-or-dry emery paper and rattlecan. I have done so with the left side of cowl, after two years, it's still goood- no splits or cracks.
A tougher deal is whittling replacements for the slotted matching parts, but it can be done with a coping saw and wood rasp.The tab parts may need replacement with custom-made metal stock with a broad perforated base for epoxy fastening.
Hope this helps. Lewis Crewe, AKA Phil C.

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5a.: Re: Anti freeze in air filter box

Posted by: "omeltschenkokonrad" omeltschenkokonrad@yahoo.com omeltschenkokonrad

Sun Apr 11, 2010 6:27 pm (PDT)

I went on a 70 mile group ride this Saturday. I ran into the same problem Reflex stalled and when I tried to start it got cloud of white smoke again. I was able to start it by giving it full throttle and back off a bit until the engine started. I was able to ride for another 5 to 6 miles when the engine stalled. I would do the same routine and the engine would start. It also stalled when I was going down hill and my revs dropped. I made it to the end of the ride by keeping slight pressure on the throttle so it won't stall. I also noticed anti freeze in the clear tube with the plug. I opened that several times to drain the fluid.

Today I took the air cleaner housing apart and cleaned it. Took it for a 5 mi ride same problem.

I couldn't find the metal cap to check the antifreeze.

I am taking the Reflex back to the shop this week hopefully they can find the problem and fix it this time.

Konrad O

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@...> wrote:
>
> no
>
> Bruce
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "omeltschenkokonrad" <omeltschenkokonrad@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the information. Could this happen if I overfilled the antifreeze system? It appeared low so I filled it, but I don't remember if I filled it before or after I went for my ride when I had the engine problem.
> > Konrad O
> >
> > --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@> wrote:
> > >
> > > There is a hose from the cooling system that goes to the carb - to heat it up for better cold weather / emissions performance.
> > >
> > > It sounds like the shop has made a mistake doing the rebuild; although it is possible that the coolant just ran in there in the process of removing the carb for the rebuild.
> > >
> > > The coolant there will not damage the engine - but certainly the source must be found.
> > >
> > > I suggest that you clean out the air cleaner housing immaculately - then if any more coolant appears - take the scooter back to the shop.
> > >
> > > Also - obviously - keep a close watch on the coolant level - keeping in mind that you should periodically check it at the metal cap under the battery cover WITH ENGINE COLD. See the FILES section for info. Do not depend solely on checking the coolant reservoir near the gas filler - it there is an air leak in the cooling system, there will be no resultant vacuum to pull coolant UP from the reservoir to replenish the lost coolant (dumb design).
> > >
> > > Please post back with what you fin - so that other can benefit from your experience.
> > >
> > > Hope that helps
> > >
> > > Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
> > > Santa Cruz, CA
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "omeltschenkokonrad" <omeltschenkokonrad@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I just had my scooter serviced last week. It had bad gas in it from being stored without a stabilizer in the fuel. The mechanic at the Honda dealer cleaned the carburator. I got the Reflex back and it ran and started fine. I took a ride and 1/2 hour or so into the ride the scooter stalled. When I tried to start it a lot of white smoke came out of the exhaust. After a few minutes of trying to start the scooter it finally ran. I was able to get home. This happened several times. I noticed what appeared to be antifreeze coming out of the drain at the back bottom of the air filter box. I took the scooter back to the dealer. They couldn't find an antifreeze leak. They changed the oil saying it probably had antifreeze in it. I got it back yesterday and so far it starts and runs fine. I am concerned because I am taking part in a Cincinnati scooter club ride this weekend and hopefully my antifreeze problem won't reoccur on the ride.
> > > > Any ideas on how the antifreeze got in the air filter box? This is a 2005 Reflex with a K-Mod. I have 1400 miles on it.
> > > > Konrad O
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

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Messages in this topic (6)
5b.: Re: Anti freeze in air filter box

Posted by: "omeltschenkokonrad" omeltschenkokonrad@yahoo.com omeltschenkokonrad

Sun Apr 11, 2010 7:12 pm (PDT)

I went on a 70 mile group ride this Saturday. I ran into the same problem Reflex stalled and when I tried to start it got cloud of white smoke again. I was able to start it by giving it full throttle and back off a bit until the engine started. I was able to ride for another 5 to 6 miles when the engine stalled. I would do the same routine and the engine would start. It also stalled when I was going down hill and my revs dropped. I made it to the end of the ride by keeping slight pressure on the throttle so it won't stall. I also noticed anti freeze in the clear tube with the plug. I opened that several times to drain the fluid.

Today I took the air cleaner housing apart and cleaned it. Took it for a 5 mi ride same problem.

I couldn't find the metal cap to check the antifreeze.

I am taking the Reflex back to the shop this week hopefully they can find the problem and fix it this time.

Konrad O

--- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@...> wrote:
>
> no
>
> Bruce
>
> --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "omeltschenkokonrad" <omeltschenkokonrad@> wrote:
> >
> > Thanks for the information. Could this happen if I overfilled the antifreeze system? It appeared low so I filled it, but I don't remember if I filled it before or after I went for my ride when I had the engine problem.
> > Konrad O
> >
> > --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "BruceK" <bruce@> wrote:
> > >
> > > There is a hose from the cooling system that goes to the carb - to heat it up for better cold weather / emissions performance.
> > >
> > > It sounds like the shop has made a mistake doing the rebuild; although it is possible that the coolant just ran in there in the process of removing the carb for the rebuild.
> > >
> > > The coolant there will not damage the engine - but certainly the source must be found.
> > >
> > > I suggest that you clean out the air cleaner housing immaculately - then if any more coolant appears - take the scooter back to the shop.
> > >
> > > Also - obviously - keep a close watch on the coolant level - keeping in mind that you should periodically check it at the metal cap under the battery cover WITH ENGINE COLD. See the FILES section for info. Do not depend solely on checking the coolant reservoir near the gas filler - it there is an air leak in the cooling system, there will be no resultant vacuum to pull coolant UP from the reservoir to replenish the lost coolant (dumb design).
> > >
> > > Please post back with what you fin - so that other can benefit from your experience.
> > >
> > > Hope that helps
> > >
> > > Bruce Koehler - the Koehlerizer
> > > Santa Cruz, CA
> > >
> > >
> > > --- In hondareflexowners@yahoogroups.com, "omeltschenkokonrad" <omeltschenkokonrad@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I just had my scooter serviced last week. It had bad gas in it from being stored without a stabilizer in the fuel. The mechanic at the Honda dealer cleaned the carburator. I got the Reflex back and it ran and started fine. I took a ride and 1/2 hour or so into the ride the scooter stalled. When I tried to start it a lot of white smoke came out of the exhaust. After a few minutes of trying to start the scooter it finally ran. I was able to get home. This happened several times. I noticed what appeared to be antifreeze coming out of the drain at the back bottom of the air filter box. I took the scooter back to the dealer. They couldn't find an antifreeze leak. They changed the oil saying it probably had antifreeze in it. I got it back yesterday and so far it starts and runs fine. I am concerned because I am taking part in a Cincinnati scooter club ride this weekend and hopefully my antifreeze problem won't reoccur on the ride.
> > > > Any ideas on how the antifreeze got in the air filter box? This is a 2005 Reflex with a K-Mod. I have 1400 miles on it.
> > > > Konrad O
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

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