Topic: Rectifier or regulator?

[Emodog04]

Is Rectifier just another name for the Voltage Regulator or are they two different things?

[JonnyHonda]

No, they are not the same thing, or rather they are two different things, rectifier takes AC from the magneto and makes DC, then the regulator ensures the voltage does not change too much at different engine speeds

[Emodog04]

My Bike (cb550f) is not charging.  how can I determine if the problem is in the Rectifier or regulator?

[JonnyHonda]

When you say not charging, do you mean it dies while your out on it, or you Start it ride a few miles each day and at the end of the week it's flat.

I seem to remember being told once, that each start on the starter motor requires 15 - 20 mins running time to put a charge back into the battery

[Emodog04]

Well, I have been through two new batteries.  After about 4 days of riding each battery just died.  The bike will start back and run great once i recharge the battery.  It will also run as long as the battery is being jumped off, but as soon as I take the jumper cables off or the jumper box the bike dies.

[dusterdude]

jpnny,please dont take this personal or anything,but you dont look too good.

[JonnyHonda]

Sounds like generation, these "dead" batteries do they still holds charge or are they "shagged".

You need to do some tests,
you need to check for continuity of the generator coils, 4.9 ohms between the green and white leads and about 6.5 ohms between any yellow lead if you anything wild you not generating,

you could do a diode test on each of the six diodes in the rectifier, and dead ones means not rectifing,

Not sure about regulator, the older mecanical ones, clean the points inside, if you have a newer solid state, theres not a lot that you can do other than replace it

[JonnyHonda]

jpnny,please dont take this personal or anything,but you dont look too good.

it was one hell of a  party 

[dusterdude]

damn,wish i was there

[TwoTired]

My Bike (cb550f) is not charging.  how can I determine if the problem is in the Rectifier or regulator?

Do you have, know how to use a voltmeter and ohmmeter?

[djinn23]

hi there!

first and foremost: http://www.offwidth.co.uk/bike/general/electrical_fault_finding.pdf
That is a flowchart that pretty much so rocks. I believe on your bike that you have a seperated regulator and rectifier. I know that this has to be taken into consideration but i dont know how specifically (it has been a while since i looked).

I found this about two years ago when i aquired a busted cb550 from 77. I have a similiar issue with my bike. . .which while sitting has developed more larger issues. I would suggest that you save a copy locally because the site that made it is now down and it took me a lil bit to find it for you (and everyone else).

secondly, The best and only real forum i had found about two years ago is dead. I am glad to see that you guys are up and rokken on the subject. I will be visiting, contributing, and probably mostly asking many questions on this forum.

there are a few other flowcharts out there (like this: http://www.megageek.com/mcelectric/index.htm) but i think it is the same situation. If you search enough you can probably find what i did about how to work arround it.

[Dennis]

hi there!

first and foremost: http://www.offwidth.co.uk/bike/general/electrical_fault_finding.pdf
That is a flowchart that pretty much so rocks.

That is the Electrex chart. They manufacture aftermarket solid state regulator/rectifiers and stators.
The chart is still available on their website.
And , yes, it is very good - the troubleshooting chart, that is.

[mick750F]

jpnny,please dont take this personal or anything,but you dont look too good.

it was one hell of a  party 

   I thought you looked familiar...I think I was at that party.

Mike