Regulator/Rectifier Failure

[Dfraser76]

Was riding the bike the other day and the Regulator/Rectifier decided to ignite its self or the wires going into it did by the time i pulled over the whole bike decided to die has this happened to anyone else? or have any idea why this would happen?

[Sid Squid]

Yes, but not on an SV.
However the principle is the same - something went wrong causing an internal connection where it shouldn't be. Almost certainly two of the incoming wires from the alternator became crossed and the resulting high voltage, low resistance mixture got warm - very warm.

It's always the same when the electrical smoke leaks out - it stops working.

[Dfraser76]

Guy at garage seems to think just fitting a new one will fix it. Worried that one might go as well if there is an underlying fault is that likely? did you find the fault with your bike?

[jacksuzukisv650]

i hd a simualr problem with myn

[kerby]

The reg/rec can increase the output voltage and fry low voltage wiring and the battery,i have seen a 748 duke on fire due to a reg rec failure.Jap bikes are usually better than that, but sv reg/recs do go wonky in my experience.
Early warnings can be blown fuses or bulbs and the headlights not getting brighter when blipping the throttle

[beabert]

Guy at garage seems to think just fitting a new one will fix it. Worried that one might go as well if there is an underlying fault is that likely? did you find the fault with your bike?

Mine was charging at 17+ volts, you can check the current coming in 70ac minimum at 5k. Its perfect now 2009 cbr reg/rec
.

[Sid Squid]

Worried that one might go as well if there is an underlying fault is that likely?
Most likely not, but to be sure check this:

Alternator output check:
At the regulator identify and disconnect the regulator/rectifier unit connectors and identify the three yellow wires coming from the alternator, they can be considered to be three pairs, that is if you were to name them A, B and C, you could have a pair A and B, a pair B and C, and a pair A and C.
Using a voltmeter with an AC setting of about 100V check the output between each of the three pairs. At about 5000 rpm there should be about 70V AC, the most important thing is to satisfy yourself that all three pairs are about the same output, any one markedly different reading should stand out.

If the results are not as above then before condemning the alternator check the winding and wiring:
Test the resistance between the three pairs of alternator wires, all should gve substantially the same result, (a low resistance; ~0.5 ohm ish, but the important thing is that they are all of the same order), then check between each wire alone and the engine case, all should give no reading, (open circuit). If your findings are not as above check the wiring for breaks or shorted cables, repair any faults and test again.

If the alternator pases those tests it's fine and the problem is the regulator/rectifier alone.

[mister c]

If it's a Curvey, then both of mine did it.
I fitted a Gixxer 600 one to the 1st one which I got off ebay for a tenner :) & a Pointy one to my current one, touch wood, I've not had a problem

[yorkie_chris]

I would not fit a stock reg rec, I would read this and take heed
http://eviltwinsbk.com/forumz/index.php?topic=276.0

[Dfraser76]

Thanks all for advice very helpfull :D ordered a new reg/rec going to check out wiring as you described to rule out any other faults hope thats the end of it and won't happen again or a least for a long time :)