Cycle Electric regulator/rectifier
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1,618
From: TX
Yeah I was hoping cleaning up the oily plug would solve the charging part. Since it was an intermittent problem, I didnt take the time prove there was bad charging voltage. The one time I did test it was charging normally at 14.25 volts.
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 15,435
Likes: 7,127
From: Beyond Fucital
I made the mistake of spraying my lower with brake cleaner without reading the can first.
That stuff is amazing, but it dissolves rubber. It turned my stator plug into soft pliable paste.
Resulting in a poor connection to my VR.
I only ride short distances these days and keep the bike on a tender, so I wasn't aware that the stator wasn't charging.
Until I went out on a longer ride, stopped to enjoy the sights and couldn't restart the bike to leave.
Good thing I keep a jump pack in the swingarm bag and have all LED's for lighting. Nursed it home.
Got it started in the garage and started checking things from the battery end.
That stuff is amazing, but it dissolves rubber. It turned my stator plug into soft pliable paste.
Resulting in a poor connection to my VR.
I only ride short distances these days and keep the bike on a tender, so I wasn't aware that the stator wasn't charging.
Until I went out on a longer ride, stopped to enjoy the sights and couldn't restart the bike to leave.
Good thing I keep a jump pack in the swingarm bag and have all LED's for lighting. Nursed it home.
Got it started in the garage and started checking things from the battery end.
Last edited by RANGER73; Feb 28, 2026 at 08:41 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1,618
From: TX
I made the mistake of spraying my lower with brake cleaner without reading the can first.
That stuff is amazing, but it dissolves rubber. It turned my stator plug into soft pliable paste.
Resulting in a poor connection to my VR.
I only ride short distances these days and keep the bike on a tender, so I wasn't aware that the stator wasn't charging.
Until I went out on a longer ride, stopped to enjoy the sights and couldn't restart the bike to leave.
Good thing I keep a jump pack in the swingarm bag and have all LED's for lighting. Nursed it home.
Got it started in the garage and started checking things from the battery end.
That stuff is amazing, but it dissolves rubber. It turned my stator plug into soft pliable paste.
Resulting in a poor connection to my VR.
I only ride short distances these days and keep the bike on a tender, so I wasn't aware that the stator wasn't charging.
Until I went out on a longer ride, stopped to enjoy the sights and couldn't restart the bike to leave.
Good thing I keep a jump pack in the swingarm bag and have all LED's for lighting. Nursed it home.
Got it started in the garage and started checking things from the battery end.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 47
Likes: 27
For years it was a weak point for harley. Not sure if it still is. But I also don't think it is the worse thing to replace at 17 years old. But it is not my money either.
Stator output is also the question if voltage is low. On some models it can be a PIA to get at the connections.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,115
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
I was working on a friend of mines 2011 RK that had an intermittent charging issue but only on longer rides.. I tested everything properly and could not find a definite cause till I took the primary off to inspect the Stator.. You could see how one of the phases was black from overheating but not bad enough to cause a rise in the resistance test to each coil.. They still all measure the same..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,922
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
I was working on a friend of mines 2011 RK that had an intermittent charging issue but only on longer rides.. I tested everything properly and could not find a definite cause till I took the primary off to inspect the Stator.. You could see how one of the phases was black from overheating but not bad enough to cause a rise in the resistance test to each coil.. They still all measure the same..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,115
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
Not following the term "I'd probably take a high-pot test" Thanks..
EDITED: HIPOT, I found a video explaining it and apparently it's to test for the wiring used in the stator to test the integrity of the insulation.. ?? Which I would imagine breaks down as heat goes up...
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; Mar 13, 2026 at 07:48 AM.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,922
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
@Max Headflow
Not following the term "I'd probably take a high-pot test" Thanks..
EDITED: HIPOT, I found a video explaining it and apparently it's to test for the wiring used in the stator to test the integrity of the insulation.. ?? Which I would imagine breaks down as heat goes up...
Not following the term "I'd probably take a high-pot test" Thanks..
EDITED: HIPOT, I found a video explaining it and apparently it's to test for the wiring used in the stator to test the integrity of the insulation.. ?? Which I would imagine breaks down as heat goes up...
A hipot test (high potential test) is a safety test that applies high voltage (typically operating voltage ) to an electrical device's insulation to ensure it can withstand overvoltage without leaking current. It verifies insulation integrity, prevents short circuits, and checks for manufacturing defects, commonly using AC or DC voltage for a set duration.
