Thank you for the tips. Jean-Pierre, much of what you wrote is over my head, but I keep re-reading it and am trying to learn! =) I have not tested it, but I think I will just replace the regulator/ rectifier anyway. It's 27 years old and was poorly designed in the first place. If it isn't bad now, it will be someday. Electrosport has the best price on it, but their website said they are changing ownership and cannot process orders until next Wednesday. I will try back then. I just finished going through the ignition switch again. I used the same base as before, but used a couple different parts I robbed from another ignition switch I bought at a junkyard. Little better contacts, plastic that wasn't a little melted from a past problem. Also hit it with something I found at Home Depot. It's an electrical grade lubricant/protector called CRC Electrical Grade 2-26. Supposed to "improve electrical properties" and help keep moisture out of electrical connections and contacts. Safe on plastics. For all I know it is just a rip off of WD-40, but I thought I would give it a try. Didn't short the switch out when I started it, so I guess it's fine. If the switch fails after this I guess I'll give in and but a new one. At the very least it's clean and sounds really crisp when I turn it!
Thanks again! MN Blue On May 19, 9:55 am, "Gene Henry" <[email protected]> wrote: > From a previous post: > > Recent experience with my 84' CB650SC: > > Intermittent starting problems, sometimes after just riding and shutting down. > Battery condition questionable. > Charging system typical low output. > I have a multi light voltage indicator from HarborFreight installed so I can > see the voltage/battery/charge > condition.http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46972 > > Replaced the battery with a new Honda/Yausu(?). Much better. > Replaced the regulator/rectifier with one from Electrosport $100 > http://www.electrosport.com/products/product-detail-581.php > This made a enormous difference in charging voltage levels. > I now get charging voltage @ 12 V + at about 1500 RPM or less, and 14+ V > above about 2500 RPM. > The Electrosport regulator/rectifier gave me a tremendously improved > electrical system. > > Gene > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Minnesota Blue > To: Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers! > Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 2010 8:58 PM > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Regulator/Rectifier > > Hello all, > > I have been chasing electrical problems on my 83 650 since I got it. > I think it is mostly just age. New fuse panel, cleaned up ignition > switch, lots of dielectric grease. However, I was wondering about the > regulator/rectifier. To my knowledge, it's function in simple terms > is to smooth out the electrical current generated by the alternator > and make sure it is a standard voltage (I know it's more complicate > than that, but let's keep it simple for my benefit). My question is > what happens when it goes bad? Does it simply fail outright or can it > gradually degrade and do it's job less efficiently? If this happens, > what kind of symptoms would I be seeing on my bike? If it is allowing > too much current or not enough, would this strain the overall > electrical system on the bike and lead to problems? I am leaning > towards replacing it anyway, I am just curious as the cheapest one I > have seen so far is $135.00. How can I test the original part? > > Thanks! > > MN Blue > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. > To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. > To unsubscribe from this group, send email to > [email protected]. > For more options, visit this group > athttp://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
