Topic: Regulator/Rectifier replacement advice - Ebay purchase

[cbnewb]

Greetings,

Has anyone, by chance, purchased one of these units?  It seems like a pretty decent deal along with good feedback...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320416580992&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_1653wt_955

I'm hoping I'm not breaking any forum rules by posting that, but if so I suppose I'll have to roll with the consequences.  I'm having charging issues with my bone-stock 75 cb550k, and I figure a replacement of these parts is probably a given regardless.

Thanks for your help,

~ CBN

[mystic_1]

That unit is from Oregon Motorcycle Parts.  Run a search (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?action=search  try search terms Oregon Rectifier ) as lots of feedback on those units has been posted.  Tony (technogearhead ) is a member here also.

Here's a couple of threads mentioning these units:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=51900.0

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=53123.0

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=52658.0

and Tony's website, in case the listing didn't lead you there already:

http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/


What issues are you having specifically?  Replacing the regulator and rectifier is a good idea but make sure the rest of the system is up-to-snuff so you don't risk damaging the new parts.

mystic_1

[Laminar]

I use their rectifiers and regulators on my CB550 and Nighthawk 550, and I've bought the plastic connectors and bullet connectors from them too. Great products, awesome service. I ordered some connectors on a Saturday afternoon and had them in my hands on Monday.

[cbnewb]

Thank you for the links.  I'll be sure to check them out prior to making a final decision.  Good to know the seller is a member here.

The issues currently at hand are pretty straight-forward really - the current charging system isn't putting out enough voltage to keep the battery charged when the bike is running, not just at idle, but around town as well.

What I have done so far from an electrical standpoint:

1.  New battery - (the old one had been sitting in the barn-find bike since 1998)
2.  Cleaned and replaced fuses/fuse-box - no fuses were blown, but the contacts were spotty at best, and dependent on fuse location in the spring clips for success.  Replaced with a blade fuse box
3.  replaced defunct blinker switch with a 2-wire automotive
4.  pulled and replaced headlight and pulled all connectors from inside the bucket, cleaned and added dielectric grease, none of the connections were all that bad considering the age and length of storage

The wiring is obviously still 34 years old and is providing resistance even though the connections have been cleaned.  There doesn't appear to be a short that's pulling the battery down between runs.  Unfortunately I haven't been able to check the current output due to the "too-many-1970s-hondas-in-my-garage-already" syndrome, but I'll get a meter on it this week when I make a run to it's current location.  The steps above were just general maintenance.

The battery will slowly charge with the headlight off and my doing hotlaps around the block with the RPMs between 3k-6k, but the bike has fuel issues which will be requiring my attention shortly as well that prevent my ability to adequately stress test the parts.  From the electrical issues, I will be moving on to the mandatory carb rebullds next week.

I should also mention that the points have been checked and adjusted and it has been timed... I'm lucky in that this seems to be the cleanest and closest to running of my current stable.  There are still lots of things to be checked and replaced or cleaned or overhauled, but I'm continuing to learn as I go.

I was more curious as to if this was a quality part, but I would definitely welcome any additional input regarding additional probable sources for charging. 

Thanks again,

~ CBN

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

2nd that, great service from those guys