Should I replace the Voltage regulater...
Should I replace the Voltage regulater...
I burned out my stator and wanted to know if I should replace the voltage regulator too? The stator is $142 and the VR is $215.
Recommendation?
Recommendation?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
the regulator;
converts AC voltage ( from the stator) to DC voltage ( to the battery).
it also regulates voltage to below about 14.8 VDC.
Regulator failure will:
allow the battery to over volt- burning up the battery, and may over volt the bike's components ( although the battery also will help to temper any high voltage momentary spikes)
and allow AC voltage through to the battery.
pretty easy to check and replace.
IF you are replacing the regulator DO NOT cut the wires off to save a minute- just in case your checks show that the new reg is bad or exhibiting the same readings.
while you are at this job, loosen/clean/tighten the regulator mounts
mike
converts AC voltage ( from the stator) to DC voltage ( to the battery).
it also regulates voltage to below about 14.8 VDC.
Regulator failure will:
allow the battery to over volt- burning up the battery, and may over volt the bike's components ( although the battery also will help to temper any high voltage momentary spikes)
and allow AC voltage through to the battery.
pretty easy to check and replace.
IF you are replacing the regulator DO NOT cut the wires off to save a minute- just in case your checks show that the new reg is bad or exhibiting the same readings.
while you are at this job, loosen/clean/tighten the regulator mounts
mike
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 54
From: SE Wisconsin
It's either works or it don't, easy to check.
Probes on battery should be about 12.5 vdc with bike off, and ramp up to 14.5 with bike running.
I hear ya. I'm just not sure what caused my stator to fry. So, when I install thr new stator and start the bike I would hate to fry the new one if I have a faulty regulator.
Any suggestions?
Any suggestions?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Take a good look at the stator windings. You might find some burnt windings or maybe even an "open" or broken wire in the windings which can create a lower voltage, higher than normal current condition that tends to deteriorate the residual conducting windings and thus your charging system over time.
I don't know what model year bike you have, so not much else I can add. My 2000 RK stator had a broken wire right at the junction where the harness left the stator headed to the regulator. The regulator was fine. I want to think that it's pretty rare that the voltage regulator is necessarily bad at the same time.
I don't know what model year bike you have, so not much else I can add. My 2000 RK stator had a broken wire right at the junction where the harness left the stator headed to the regulator. The regulator was fine. I want to think that it's pretty rare that the voltage regulator is necessarily bad at the same time.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
a dead battery can though- it'll cause the charging system to work fill out until it burns.
high motor/primary heat
loose magnets on the stator can whack it ( remember no impact wrenches on the comp or clutch nuts)
bad wires as mentioned above.
if piece of mind says change it all, keep the old one in a box in the garage.
Mike
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Thanks Joe. Mine is a 2001 EGC. My stator burnt right at the connection of one of the wires leading out. Burnt the wire right off and fried some of the copper coils. I found a service bulletin on it. It said that where the stator connects to the voltage regulator oil from the compensator box will collect into the connectors. It stated that a recall was ordered requiring a relocation of the connectors. Mine was never done so, when I pulled the connector apart oil poured out. It was probably the cause of the stator problem. I wonder if I have recourse?
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 270
Likes: 18
From:
Yes, faulty voltage regulator diodes can burn out the stator by allowing current to flow through the stator back to the battery. Normally the diodes are reversed biased and will not let current flow from the battery to the stator. A Good DVOM will have a diode test position. Good silicone diodes will drop 550-600mv in one direction. Good luck!
