Topic: 400F rectifier?

[tory b]

   I searched "rectifier" and went into overload.So I will just ask.

I have a 75 400F project that I am replacing the wiring harness in do to POs electrical skill(or lack of).
 It is quit a mess with hacked,spliced and melted wires everywhere with a couple toggle switch's thrown in for good measure.
Obviously a new harness is a no brainer.
  Behind the right sidecover,on the frame rearward of the battery is what I believe is the rectifier.It to has been molested and needs replacing,but as I look for a replacement I am coming up with a few differant types for the same model?Whats even more confusing is these all claim to fit CB350,400,500,550,750s through the same year spread,70-78 I think.
  The one on my 1975 CB400F is a vintage square tube looking thing about 2" by 2" with four post inside connected to the wires.
What I see on bikebandits illustration as well as most on EBAY are more of a solid state type with cooling fins.

Are these interchangeable with each other?And is it an acceptable upgrade for my restoration project?
Also,my bike has a "silicone rectifier" about 1/2 inch by 3/8 inch with two terminals.Is this used with both or all three types of rectifiers?

[caluser2000]

Is the old like the one I used to test my bike, cb550F, then yes they are interchangable:

Does it have to be OEM? You  can go a more budget route- http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=12465.300 or alternatively http://www.oregonmotorcycleparts.com/rectifiers3p.html

[Bodi]

That picture in the previous post, although not a 400, shows the OEM rectifier. It's the part mounted but not connected, with its cable and connector hanging loose. I believe all year 400Fs used this type. There are many alternatives, but they don't look the same.

[bryanj]

The small "siicon rectifier" with two terminals is the Starter-Safety-Interlock which stops the starter working unless either the neutral light is on OR the clutch lever is pulled -----That is assuming that all the rest of the electrics is connected correctly AND working.

As to the main rectifier all the years and fours will fit, if you want to keep the original regulator the 400 connectors exit sideways instead of downwards but apart from that thay are all the same----If going combined electronic (Oregon etc) they it don't matter a stuff

[tory b]

Yep
Mine looks like the one hanging.
I do have a parts bike left over from my 73 500k.If I understand you all then,that rectidier will plug in and work,but is not correct for a 400F restoration?
 
Is there a functional advantage of the type in my 500s?(They are like the unplugged on in the photo) they look a lot more modern.The one on the 400 looks like it is out of the 50s or something.

[caluser2000]

Personnally I would worry about "correctness" if a component does the job without interfering with other components and it's a reasonable price. If you've got a spare 500 rect you can use it. They both do the same job.