Do I need to replace regulator
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,706
Likes: 14
From: Near Frankenmuth, MI
One more thing to worry about:
Did you know that battery issues can put a load on the stator and melt it down which then it shorts the windings?
Be sure to take your battery in for a test. A battery that doesn't hold a charge, or has a short inside may still work but needs replacement.
Did you know that battery issues can put a load on the stator and melt it down which then it shorts the windings?
Be sure to take your battery in for a test. A battery that doesn't hold a charge, or has a short inside may still work but needs replacement.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,523
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
A quick way to test a regulator is to disconnect the 2-wire plug going to the stator and connect a battery charger to the terminals on the regulator side. First one polarity and then the other. Since your stator outputs alternating current, you just simulated that by reversing the polarity of the battery charger.Make sure you use a charger rated less than the amp rating of your regulator. 10 amps would be fine. So if the charger works to charge the battery in both polarities, the regulator is working. Most battery chargers have an ammeter that will indicate the current draw. It should draw the same amount through the regulator as it does when the charger is connected directly to the battery. Hell, the battery and regulator don't even have to be in the bike to test this way.
What do the gurus think about that?
What do the gurus think about that?
Easier just to start the bike and slap a multimeter across the battery to see if its working.....and also you have to test the cut off voltage to know if its regulating and your test won't give you that.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 7
From: Southern MD
You can also use a multimeter to test them but there are series and parallel style regulators that behave differently with a meter.
I also agree that you would still have to measure the battery voltage at high RPM if it is installed.
Thanks for the insight!
Last edited by Rob85WG; Jun 15, 2012 at 08:10 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,856
Likes: 127
From: Middle of Kansas
I always like to hear the end of the repairs on here, so I am relating the finish on my stator replace. I got it installed and everything back together, and fired it up to check the voltage at the battery. At a couple of thousand rpm it was charging about 14.5 volts, and everything looks good. One thing I did learn is that the old thick STP works very good for getting the stator plug into the case. It took very little effort to push it in place. I put a tiny dab in the case, and a little film on the plug, and used a flat screw driver to slide it in place. Thanks for all the input you guys.
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