Topic: Need help installing a solid state regulator/rectifier on a '71 CB500

[bobolope]

Hi all,

I'm restoring a '71 CB500.  I purchased a solid state voltage regulator/rectifier that is stated to work for both lithium and lead acid batteries.  I purchased it from 4into1, however, it didn't come with any installation paperwork, just the unit.  I emailed 4into1 and their response was "go on a honda forum and see if they can help".  Great customer service, guys.........

Anyway, there is no markings on the unit to tell me who manufactured it so I'm hoping someone on here can help.  A wiring diagram would be a huge help but any help will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[bryanj]

Put up a pic and tell us what colour wires it has and we may be able to help

[Deltarider]

Or a link to the product so we can have a look at it. Why did you need one?

[Little_Phil]

If your wiring was previously standard the 4into1 type is designed to be a direct fit. 6 way plug to socket, green, black and white wires to connect to wires that previously connected to regulator.

[Bodi]

Assuming you have this one, the plug just plugs into the connector removed from the original rectifier. The three loose wires with spade terminals connect to the wires for the original regulator, matching wire colors.
If you have a custom or strange wiring harness and don't have that connector: the 3 yellows go to the 3 alternator stator output wires, order does not matter. Green to frame ground, red directly to battery "+"
For the loose wires green is again frame ground, black is switched power (on with key on), white goes to one alternator field coil wire and the other field coil wire goes to frame ground.

[bobolope]

Here's a few pics of the unit I purchased as well as the electrical panel.  When I bought the bike the guy said it was having charging problems that he attempted to fix himself.  I'm guessing he was as bad at electrical stuff as I am.......  Notice the two plugs on the assembly are for round male plugs, while the connector for the regulator are flat blades.  Also, looks like the prior owner taped some wires together so there may have been a blade plug there at one time, I have no idea.

With regard to the replacement unit, I'm installing a lithium battery and the old charging system was incompatible.  That was my premise behind the update.  I honestly don't even know what I take off to replace with the new unit, the small unit with the cooling fins and/or the gold unit at the top?  Yes, I'm that much of an idiot........ 

Any help appreciated!  Bob

[scottly]

Bob, set the expensive Lithium battery aside for now, and use a cheaper and more abuse tolerant lead-acid battery while you learn about electrickery.

[bryanj]

You have a very early K0 and nobody makes compatible plugs for that, best thing you can do if you insist on using the combined unit and crap lithium battery is get a loom and electrial plate complete from a late K0 or K1/K2

[dave500]

no regulator can service both lead acid and lithium as they both have different charging requirements,lithium really dont suit our old bikes full stop just use a lead battery,i never offer help on electrics as i need to see whats going on,its always hard to explain stuff without sparks n smoke from the other end?

[TwoTired]

Go to http://vintageconnections.com/Products/Connectors. And then see if you can find a connector that matches either bike or rectifier unit, as one of them will have to change.  Either retro your rectifier’s plug, or update your very early panel to that used by all later SOHC4s.

Actually, to make it work, you don’t need the convenient plugs and sockets.  You need to connect the three yellows from the bike to the three yellows of your rectifier.  The green from the  bike to the green of the rectifier, and the red from the bike to the red of the rectifier.  If all else is connected, the new rectifier will then convert the alternator output to dc that charges the battery.  If your existing vreg is not buggared and still connected, the bike should charge.  Many are tempted to tweak the vreg adjustment without a clue to how it works, and then wonder why it overcharges the battery.  But, that is a discussion for latter.

Cheers,

[Little_Phil]

Yes early 500 with round pins conns. But yours is already missing the connector that went to the rectifier.
As TT has mentioned using the new regulator is optional. (Regulator is the bit with the rounded top cover and green resistor attached to back) Should have white, black and green spade connectors attached to it. To use the new one pull these off and attach them to the connectors on the flying leads of our new device.
Relevant bit of wiring diag:

[Bodi]

The large metal box thing is the regulator, three connections for ground, key-on power, and the alternator field coil. Finned thing is the rectifier with 5 connections to the 3 yellow stator wires, ground, and battery positive. The small metal thing is the starter safety diode. Cylindrical thing is starter solenoid.

[bobolope]

Thanks everybody for the helpful tips.  I went ahead and grabbed a newer assembly off ebay that should arrive early next week.  I'm going to fit it up following the directions you guys gave me and I'll update everybody once it's in place.  Thanks again!  Bob