Question: turn signal flasher

 
Hey, I've got an electrical problem that should be pretty basic:  I
have a 1980 Yamaha 650, and one of my turn signals has gotten old and
corroded.  I decided to try replacing it with some non-stock off-the-
shelf turn signal lamps, but when I connected up one of the new
signals and tried it, the lights came on but didn't blink.  Now, I
think the flasher relay is OK because the turn signals on the other
side still work.  My question:  do I have the wrong turn signals, and
how can I tell which ones are the right ones?

I don't know much about turn signals, but I know that having one bulb
burnt out will make everything else stop flashing, so I guess it
requires a certain amount of resistance in the system for the flasher
to work.  Does this mean that the new light has the wrong resistance?
If so, how do I figure out what resistance I need?  My Clymer manual
gives wiring diagrams, but it doesn't seem to tell me what specs the
flasher requires or even where it is.  I've never worked on turn
signals before and I don't even know if all motorcycle turn signals
are the same or if I need to get a particular kind.

My backup plan if I can't make these signals work would be to get a
stock turn signal or maybe replace the flasher, but it would be nice
if I could get this fixed without waiting around for parts.

TIA.

 Bob Throllop wrote:

Most flashers rely on current flow to heat a bi-metallic strip, which
then opens the contact until it cools off enough to close again. A lamp
out, an open wire or a dirty contact may prevent the strip from getting
hot enough to operate. Also, LED "bulbs", won't require enough current
to operate the flasher. Usually, most auto flashers want two 35W bulbs.

Solid state flashers, usually use a fixed timer, and do not require a
specific resistance to funtion

 Chuck Benson :

If it's an XJ then you might want to check the alternator brushes. Non
blinking signals could mean the brushes have worn to less than ten
millimeters. I ride an '82 Yammie XJ seca and the wife an '82 XJ Maxim.
Great bikes.
 
--
over in west Philadelphia a puppy is vomiting ...

www.websterscafe.com

 Did you test them with the engine running? How's your battery voltage?
I don't have any experience with the 650, but my '81 XS400 has a weak
electrical system. If the engine is off, or if the engine is idling
and the battery is low, the blinkers don't blink... especially if you
put the brake lights on. That flasher relay just needs more voltage.
Rev it up above 2 or 3,000RPM and I bet they start blinking.

As far as I know, the turn signal bulbs are a standard 1156.

 
Well, I decided that replacing the turn signals was even more hassle
than trying to clean up old ones that might fall apart in my hands, so
I took the bad one apart and it wasn't so bad after all.  I found a
lot of corrosion--obviously water's been getting in there--sanded it
off and the light worked again.  I think I got the water leak fixed
too.

But you're right about the battery.  Seems it was worse than I
thought.  The signals blink very very slowly and the starter will
barely turn, even after filling up the battery with water (it took a
lot) and charging it for half an hour.  Looks like time for a new
battery now--I don't really fancy spending any more time
troubleshooting this one.

I had the alternator overhauled last winter--I'm trusting they did it
right and it's really and not the alt. that can't keep a charge.

Thanks for the inputs, everyone.  I'll be thinking of you if I can
ever get this bike running without new things breaking.