Stator or Reg?

[doocatiboy]

So my 96 916 died on the highway, lost power and it crapped out. Years ago the stator packed up, same symptoms, but in that situation the reg genny dash light illuminated. This time, no light. I'm no voltmeter whiz so I didn't bother using one to determine where the fault lay; had a new reg so I replaced the old (original, or at least 6yr old) one.

Started it, and she tested positive for the headlight-brightening stator test for a second, at which pt w.revs held same/high, headlight dimmed and would not brighten regardless of revs.

Given this info,
1. does the original issue sound most likely the reg?
2. does it sound like I just shot my stator again?

Thx for your replies...

[916duc]

It would be unusual that the stator itself would be at fault. You can check the stator with an AC voltmeter. After fully charging the battery, disconnect the voltage regulator wires, connect the AC voltmeter to the the stator leads, remember - (this is AC voltage and it will shock you if you touch the leads with the motor running), run the motor at 4500 to 5K rpm. The output will be around 50 volts AC. If you get anywhere near that, the stator is good.

You can check the VRR by connecting everything back together, put the meter leads on DC at the battery terminals and run the motor at 4500 to 5K rpm. If you're not getting 13.5 DC volts or more, the VRR is bad.

Check for fried connections at the stator / VRR wires.

[lushbaugh-00'748]

Originally Posted by 916duc

It would be unusual that the stator itself would be at fault. You can check the stator with an AC voltmeter. After fully charging the battery, disconnect the voltage regulator wires, connect the AC voltmeter to the the stator leads, remember - (this is AC voltage and it will shock you if you touch the leads with the motor running), run the motor at 4500 to 5K rpm. The output will be around 50 volts AC. If you get anywhere near that, the stator is good.

You can check the VRR by connecting everything back together, put the meter leads on DC at the battery terminals and run the motor at 4500 to 5K rpm. If you're not getting 13.5 DC volts or more, the VRR is bad.

Check for fried connections at the stator / VRR wires.

couldn't have said it better! Spot on advice!

[doocatiboy]

Originally Posted by 916duc

Check for fried connections at the stator / VRR wires.

Thanks for the reply. Will get at it this wkend when back w.the bike. Meantime, all connections are solid. Hopefully the vmeter will tell me something (if I read it properly!)...

[john S.]

My vote says its the regulator/rectifier. I had a one in a million event when I bought a new rectifier and that didn't work, I eventually found the new rectifier was defective as well.

[G8RDuc]

Check this doc...it definitely helps.

[996f1]

The Haynes manual explains the simple tests to see of the alternator or regulator are at fault. Need a multi-meter. Not difficult. Don't forget to check major groundings off the battery.

[El Gladiateur]

I bet your regulator is the culprit.
Replace it, its wiring too (the wiring from the stator, choose a thicker kind of wiring). Supress the white and crapy connector that links stator to regulator (that's a crap and source of problems when it gets corroded).