Need help with regulator/rectifier problem...

[Anonymous]

I've got an '84 GS450LE. I've recently replaced the battery because it wouldn't maintain a charge. So far, things are good. however, because I've trolled the forum for a while, I decided to check my charging system.

When I'm measuring I'm using the - on the battery and the + on the starter relay(I think it the relay, the Battery + can't be reached with the battery installed and this connectino is the first one that the battery + goes to)

Here's what happened: ~13 volts across the battery when ignition is off. Start the bike and Idle ~14.5 volts, rev to 5000 rpm and it hits 18 volts.

According to my clymer manual, its brilliant advice is replace the reg/rectifier. I've tested the stator and I get 90 VAC on all leads.

Will the 18 Volts DC kill anything? Should I replace the reg/rect today or can it wait?

Thanks for your help....Sam

PS: I've read the stator papers, I haven't done all their testing yet however, my stator seems good so I can't see it telling me anything other than a bad reg/rect

[Anonymous]

18 volts is awfully high in my opinion. Hell, I could barely get 13 out of mine until I went though the wiring this year and now have 14.2v. Maybe the reg isn't shutting the power down like it's supposed to?

[Anonymous]

i think the stator papers tell you what the hi voltage should be at the higher rpm
dont fool yourself. Replace ther regultor before you do more dammage.

[Hap Call]

Replace it - overvoltage can damage the battery and system.

Hap

[Anonymous]

Well this is the answer I was looking for - unfortunately.
I went through the stator papers again - a few times. I did all of the tests and only the reg/rect failed. the stator and connections are all good.
So I'm off to get me a new one.

Here's a thought...assuming if I left this alone the stator and other bits would be toast right? Right now the bike runs fine. I have no idea how long its been like this. I bought it used 2 years ago. I guess I'm lucky I checked it now?

Sam

i think the stator papers tell you what the hi voltage should be at the higher rpm
dont fool yourself. Replace ther regultor before you do more dammage.

[Anonymous]

The high voltage can toast everything. It might start by having l;ight bulbs pop or even worse it could take out your ignitor. Think your self lucky you found it now. Change it ASAP.

Thanks,
Gvain Shafer

[Anonymous]

Do yourself a favor and contact Electrex and get one for you bike if they make one. It was the best move i ever made. They are cheaper than the Suzuki originals and will out perform them. Plus if yours has a separate regulator rectifyers you can toss the rectifyer. the one Electrex unit will do it all.