Topic: rectifier questions

[Jay B]

Well it looks like the rectifier is shot on my 350f. I tested according to the FAQ's and found it bad. How often do these things go bad? How interchangable are they between sohc models? Anyone got a good one to sell?

[TwoTired]

I've not seen a 350F rectifier.  So, I don't know if the connector or the mounting is the same as other models.  It may well be, however, as  they all function the same way.  Post a picture or describe the connector shape and pinout arangement.

They almost always go bad when abused.  Reversing polarity, overcurrent, or over heating  from trying to charge a bad battery will fry them.

Cheers,

[Jay B]

Thanks TT. I retested it again this morning, it's definitely fried. Who knows what sort of abuse it's suffered, it probably hasn't worked the whole time I've owned it. There was a lot of starting and stopping during the rebuild and tuning, I just put a trickle charger on once in a while to top it off. The rectifier has a single mounting bolt on the side. It has a flat plug with two rows of wires, all three yellows on one side and the green and red/white on the other. There's one on eBay right now, I guess I'll try that. One more question, can the bike be ridden safely (at total loss of course) or will that damage something else in the system? Thanks again.

[SteveD CB500F]

You can ride your bike in total loss mode but beware because when the volts get low enough, a touch of the brakes (and hence the brake light) and the engine will quit.  Not good in traffic when you've got the choice of a) keep going or b) brake and stall!

How do I know?   Followed Jim Shea on his 750F1 in that mode after his charging system quit.

[Gordon]

Check these out:  http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/rectifiers3p.html

[crazypj]

You can use almost any solid state rectifier/regulator unit. these bikes only put out about 10amps max.
If your not switching the field coil in and out it will charge at max rate all the time ( your applying 12 v to field windings) You then  need something with lots of fins to keep it cool. PJ