Alternator/rectifier wiring burning out.
Posted: Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:20 am
Ive just had this same problem (again) on another bike, following on from having a known knackered battery and carrying on running the bike with the intention of fitting a new battery at the end of the month.
Basically, what has happened is that the three cables from the alternator(supplying a three phase alternating supply to the rectifier) have burned out, at the connector block nearest to the rectifier.
My thoughts on this are that because the battery is knackered, and its voltage output has dropped to about 10 Volts - enough just to start the bike if lucky, - the alternator/rectifier, being voltage sensing continues to put out maximum current, trying to bring the battery up to its normal voltage.
I think the moral of this is, if you have first signs of the battery life dropping off, change it as soon as possible rather than trying to keep it going as long as possible by charging overnight etc., before replacing it, or be prepared to check the rectifier wiring for signs of burn-out if you dont.
Basically, what has happened is that the three cables from the alternator(supplying a three phase alternating supply to the rectifier) have burned out, at the connector block nearest to the rectifier.
My thoughts on this are that because the battery is knackered, and its voltage output has dropped to about 10 Volts - enough just to start the bike if lucky, - the alternator/rectifier, being voltage sensing continues to put out maximum current, trying to bring the battery up to its normal voltage.
I think the moral of this is, if you have first signs of the battery life dropping off, change it as soon as possible rather than trying to keep it going as long as possible by charging overnight etc., before replacing it, or be prepared to check the rectifier wiring for signs of burn-out if you dont.