Author Topic: cb400f Rectifier  (Read 647 times)

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Offline csantelle

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cb400f Rectifier
« on: July 14, 2019, 02:32:55 PM »
Looking for a good replacement for the original rectifier on my 1975 cb400f (part # 31700-333-008). I'd have to sell a liver to get an OEM part so a re-pro is my only option and I'm wondering if anyone has used this unit from 4 into 1:

https://4into1.com/regulator-rectifier-honda-cb350f-cb400f-cb500-cb550-cb750/

Any feedback on it other suggestions would be great-thanks!



Offline Bodi

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Re: cb400f Rectifier
« Reply #1 on: July 15, 2019, 01:57:09 AM »
Well, that's a combined regulator/rectifier. Do you want the rectifier only? You can use this as one, connect only the molex plug, They should have no pwer on them but it's best to tape or heatshrink over the ends of the other wires.
But it's $60.00... plus shipping...
You can get a perfectly good 3 phase rectifier for a lot less. You need maybe a 20A device and at least a 100V PRV rating. These have 3 AC input terminals for the yellow wires plus negative and positive outputs. Usually they have 1/4" spade lugs so you just cut the old rectifier plug wires and crimp on insulated spade terminals.
Digikey, Electrosonic, and Mouser all have them and there may be a supplier near you. Probably $10 - $20 each.
A small heatsink is needed (note the fins on the OEM one): a square of 16ga aluminum ~2" bigger than the device's base is enough or there are lots of surplus/salvaged heatsinks for obsolete computer chips, you do not need a fan.
You can even make your own with 6 diodes. Same ratings - but you need to connect them and mount them somehow that heat can be removed, epoxied to a heatsink is fine.
If you can find cheap single phase bridges locally, use two: jumper them so the two "+" terminals are connected together, same with the "-" ones. Connect the 3 yellows to any 3 of the 4 AC terminals available.

Offline csantelle

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Re: cb400f Rectifier
« Reply #2 on: July 15, 2019, 04:39:47 PM »
Bodi, I am one of those unfortunate souls who has a hard time grasping anything electrical so this may turn into a bit of a project for me. Your explanation was really great though and I feel like I could walk through it with just that and make it work.

Making diodes sounds a little too in depth but I can handle finding a standard 3 phase rectifier and rigging up a heatsink of some sort.

Thanks for your help, don't know what I'd do without you guys and this forum!

Offline 69cb750

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Re: cb400f Rectifier
« Reply #3 on: July 15, 2019, 05:49:15 PM »

Offline scottly

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Re: cb400f Rectifier
« Reply #4 on: July 15, 2019, 08:29:22 PM »
Are you sure your stock rectifier is bad?
Don't fix it if it ain't broke!
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: cb400f Rectifier
« Reply #5 on: July 16, 2019, 12:00:38 PM »
I think it is usually the regulator that fails vs the rectifier. But yes, that unit will work and replace the 2 piece regulator/rectifier setup with a single solid state piece.

That said, I buy a lot of parts from 4into1, but in this case I would spend the extra $50 for the unit from Rick's: https://ricksmotorsportelectrics.com/OEM-Style-Honda-Rectifier-Regulator-10_100

Plug and play, good instructions, good tech support. I installed one on my '75 550F in the driveway in 20 minutes before leaving on a 4,000 mile trip and it performed flawlessly.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200