How long should a stator last?
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,054
Likes: 441
From: Tejas
I think it is more "amp death" related than anything else other than cheaper materials in some cases. Seems the more output on amperage, the quicker they go.
I run a 38 amp in my 94 carbed dresser and it is over 8 yrs old and going strong.
My 76 shovel had 186k on it when I stroked it in 2005 and was on the same stator since I got it in 1978. Several regulators, but same stator. Still works too, although it is not in there any longer. I still just run the 17.6 amp in the shovel as that's all it needs.
I splice my older stator connections and run leads outside of the cases and silicone them up inside and out. Never a loose connection and they work way better for me like this. Swapping a reg is just cut and add connector to ends and connect it..
Griz
I run a 38 amp in my 94 carbed dresser and it is over 8 yrs old and going strong.
My 76 shovel had 186k on it when I stroked it in 2005 and was on the same stator since I got it in 1978. Several regulators, but same stator. Still works too, although it is not in there any longer. I still just run the 17.6 amp in the shovel as that's all it needs.
I splice my older stator connections and run leads outside of the cases and silicone them up inside and out. Never a loose connection and they work way better for me like this. Swapping a reg is just cut and add connector to ends and connect it..
Griz
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 3,624
From: Picayune, Ms.
Why would there be a life expectancy to a stator? It is just an iron core with copper wire wound around it.
The two stators I replaced (different bikes) died because of vibration which rubbed the varnish off the cu wire and shorted them to the case. If it wasn't working in an oil environment I would just put tape on the bare wire and re-install, they would then once again produce electrical A/C current.
But when ever one electrical component of the charging system calls it a day I replace all three components. (Stator, Rotor, and Regulator)
But, I like to waste money.
The two stators I replaced (different bikes) died because of vibration which rubbed the varnish off the cu wire and shorted them to the case. If it wasn't working in an oil environment I would just put tape on the bare wire and re-install, they would then once again produce electrical A/C current.
But when ever one electrical component of the charging system calls it a day I replace all three components. (Stator, Rotor, and Regulator)
But, I like to waste money.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 3,624
From: Picayune, Ms.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,922
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From: Running with the gators
Ok, now for the smart *** answer, It should last till it quits working. Kinda like how long should a man live? Or how about which oil is the best? Or what size tit's are perfect?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Honah Lee
If you keep the basics and be sure to replace battery when it starts going, forever. It's cooled in oil and under little load. Just do not put heated grips,seat,gloves,3 head lights, mood lights , 400 watt stereo...ect....The wire is huge. The weakest point are the leads. Be sure also to keep the plug clean and packed with dielectric grease to prevent corrosion. That is a weak point that out ways it being handy sometimes.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Aug 5, 2014 at 06:12 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
Yeah, I agree, it's not usually the magnets or the wire winding that go bad. The outer armature has splines that wear and cause the thing to crumble sometimes especially if the nut on the main shaft isn't kept properly torqued, like after a primary chain change out or something. Occasionally, one will get cooked when someone lets the primary get dry.