CX500 GL500 650 Global

Hello -

Our 1981 CX500 Deluxe is exhibiting a new (to me) type of electrical system failure. Battery is good, connections seem OK (new starter in the past yr), and bike starts normally from cold. Once at operating temp, though, it is a matter of time before it dies completely. Seems to be heat related, as it generally happens at a long idle stop. When it does, there is no electrical power at all - no ignition light, neutral light, nothing. Only cure is a cool down, then it is as if nothing happened.

I've visually inspected wiring for bare spots along the frame, but that is about the limit of my electrical expertise.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

Strange as it may seem it can be just the main fuse holder and fuse.Replace it no matter how good it looks.

Click here,

viewtopic.php?f=8&t=27

Okay! I'll give that a try and report the result. Thank you!

Many, many thanks!

I took a closer look at the main fuse holder and saw that the thin metal was sort of crimped in the middle. I decided to try the spare 20amp in the lid of the fuse holder just for the hell of it. When I popped out the current fuse, it literally disintegrated, endcaps came off, metal strip came completely apart.

Even though the spare is also presumably 20 plus years old, I slapped it in and the bike is performing like a champ so far. I'm going to nose around my garage a bit, because I think I've got a blade fuse holder somewhere. If I find it, I'll give it a whirl.

In any case, you completely zeroed in on the problem for me - thank you!

Next up: running through the litany of non engine-out things to try to determine why my coolant isn't circulating. Look for me around the cooling system forums soon!

If the coolant isn't circulating it is usually on of two things.

1:The thermostat is not opening.
They are cheap from Autozone type shops.Take the old one in and ask them to match it but try not to tell them what it's off.Over here they fit quite a few cars like Honda Civics.


2:The Impeller nut has come lose.

Don't use the bike unit fixed either way.You do not want to blow a head gasket.

See this link for the in-bike mechanical seal replacement as it's the same procedure to check the impeller,

http://www.pdsrecording.site90.com/cxgl500/Mseal.html

Note when disturbing the coolant pipes when you re-fit it's quite common for the O-rings to need replacing or to temporary use RTV/Silicone Gasket sealer to help seal the pipes.

You can get them from Honda suppliers but also from Plumbers supplies.See this O-ring list

viewtopic.php?f=7&t=95&hilit=o+ring+list

MinnesotaCXer,

Any resolution yet to you coolant problem?

If you're in the Twin Cities area, I may be able to give you a hand.

R