Rectifier Question

[merchjo]

How do you know if the Rectifier is bad.  I been noticing my headlight goes from bright to dim while riding at the same speed.  I check the volts at the batery and at 5K the volts were 16.5.  I dont want to spend $150 on a new one if its not the issue.

Thanks

[Richard UK]

Varying voltage sounds like a voltage regulator rather than rectifier problem.  Get an auto-electrical shop to check.

[Ed_in_Az]

Sounds like what mine was doing the other night.

So, should the voltage be consistent @ 12 ?

I've got a tester at home somewhere.  :dunno:

[Wrencher]

Doesn't sound like a rectifier problem to me. If the rectifier fails one of two things happens, you either get no voltage of any kind (open circuit) or you get AC instead of DC.

This is rather academic however as the regulator and rectifier are one unit.

It sounds like the regulator is bad however. The voltage should be between 13.5 to 15.5. You might want to see if a junkyard has one near you. Would be ALOT cheaper and most reputable places will exchange it if the replacement is also bad.

[merchjo]

Well went to the dealer today.  They want 250 for the part but said I should have it check by them first as it could be the stator.  Not sure how it would be that when it is putting out volts.  I checked Ron Ayers and they waht $150 for the rectifier/regulator and $125 for the stator.  Because the bike is a 90, you guys think it would be worth just to get both replaced so I dont get stranded?

[Wrencher]

Stator is not likely to be bad. If the voltage was low then it would be suspect.

I know lots of people that have gotten R/R units from junkyards for as little as $5 to $45. The $5 unit was as is no replacement but lots of the $20-$40 items had at least some sort of warranty even from the junkyard.

Get regulator/rectifier from where ever you feel comfortable or are able to get one, but pass on the stator.

[fmikex]

hey dude they have a rectifier for  '90 gs 500 on ebay untested but its only started at $4.40 !! just search "suzuki gs500" and its on the second page

[Ed_in_Az]

I checked my regulator today. It tested between 14.4 and 14.8 volts. Of course the lights were strong then. I'll see if I can catch it fluctuating again and check it.

[Kerry]

See if the old thread Charging system helps.

There are links to various bits of info from the Haynes manual - diagrams and text about the rectifier and the stator.