TOPIC: Assimilator light stays on.

I finally got my newly rebuilt 72 put back together, started and ran it a few miles and retightened everything that loosened up during my shake down run. I have a problem with that assimilator light, it will not shut off. I have checked all the connections to the alternator, rectifier and virtually everywhere else. I have not put a voltage meter on it yet because the one I own stinks. But other than that has anyone else had this problem?
By the way it was a great meeting last week.

Dan

Hey Dan,
I am re-wiring my bike and making it negative ground. I did a lot of research in the assimulator. I believe that the early models were especially prone to failure. There is a company that makes a solid state replacement called Cool Cat. It is available in positive or negative ground and is price around 25.00. It was made for Jaguars but it works for Commandos. Do a google search for Cool Cat assimulator. I called the company and asked questions (positive-negative ground part #) because their web site didn't say they had different models. If your assimulator has gone bad...this is the way to go. I believe the early model has a ni-chrome wire that heats and opens when the alternator has an output. Check the output of your alternator and if OK...check connection and if all is well...you need to replace your assimulator. Be ready for sticker shock if you replace with the OEM replacement ...
Hope this helps,
Rod

Dan
These WLA are extremely fragile and a hard knock or shock can damage the internals. The parts will bend out of adjustment or the nichrome wire may break. They run on 6.5-7 volts AC from one leg of the alternator. An ohm meter test should show if the wire is open.
Good topic for a tech session/show an d tell. I have one opened up and have fixed a few.