Regulator rectifier?

Question

I have a 2000 v star 1100, It had a bad battery when I bought it. I changed the battery, and it still isn't charging. How do I test the regulator/rectifier?

I had the battery checked and was told that it was good and holding under load, and just needed to be charged. But the battery starts discharging as soon as I take it off the charge. what gives?

Answer 1

DO NOT do as rockbase says!  That's a good way to send an 18 volt spike through the regulator rectifier, CDI box or fuel injection computer if so equiped.  That ancient trick worked on generator equiped cars in the good old pre-1963 days.  Bear in mind that in those days there were no such things as electronic voltage regulators, electronic ignitions and electronic fuel injection.  Use a multi-meter instead.

Answer 2

if the vstars charging system is working...  remove side cover and start bike, then remove 1 of the battery cables, if it keeps running, the bikes charging system is working. do not reconnect cable until after you shut bike off.

also, if you go out and ride, then find a day later battery is dead, maybe its a short. When you get back from riding, disconnect 1 lead of the battery. dont let it touch anything. next day hook back up, if charge is still good then, then you have a slow drain or short in motorcycle.

Answer 3

Get it started? Use a volt meter (positive to the + terminal and negative lead the frame or - terminal of the battery) Not running you should have like 12.5 volts, after it starts the voltage should rise to 13.8 or so volts if not it could be the rectifier although it could be the stator (alternator) keep your fingers crossed (if the stator is out I'd replace the regulator if it was me, so even if you do replace the regulator and discover the trouble was with the stator later? Is that a loss?)

This is assuming when you charge your battery up it will start the engine and it keeps running. If you notice the voltage drops or doesn't go up to near 14 volts follow the links below for more precise steps if it does go up maybe it is bad battery after all? )

If you try the steps mentioned below by another answer? Your battery lines are not fuse protected and one wrong move will cost you....

Try these links

http://www.sloneservices.com/SilverBack/...

http://www.sloneservices.com/SilverBack/...

Answer 4

Check first to see if your cable ends are clean, including where the ground bolts to the engine

Get a multi meter (about $20).  

The battery should hold  a little over 13Volts.  If its out of the bike and starts discharging when taken off the charger, its faulty.



A bad rectifier will generally cause overcharging and boil your battery.  Fire up the bike, warm it up a little, then test the same as you do for the batter with the engine revved to 3.000 rpm.  The meter should show about 14.5 Volts.