The components on a motorcycle that need to be considered are electrical components. The electrical components support all motorcycle’s components that require electricity such as horns, lamps, or ignition.
Electricity on the motorcycle comes from the battery. However, apart from the battery, the electrical component that needs to be considered and cared for is the rectifier regulator.
Rectifier regulator affects battery life. In addition to the worthiness of the battery, another component that needs to be checked when there are problems with electricity and ignition is rectifier regulator.
Rectifier Regulator’s Function
Based on its name, the rectifier regulator has two functions; a rectifier that functions as a converter of electric current from AC to DC and a regulator that functions as an electricity regulator.
It can also be explained that a rectifier regulator is used to stabilize currents and voltages which are then transferred to the battery. In another sense, the rectifier regulator works as a supplier of electric current to charge the battery.
The AC (Alternating Current) from the motorcycle’s spool will be converted by rectifier regulator into DC (Direct Current) before entering the battery. This happens because the current that enters the battery must be in a DC state so that the battery can function properly.
The function of the rectifier regulator as a stabilizer is to regulate the electric current and voltage before entering the battery. The electric current and the voltage that enter the battery should not be too large or too small. If the current that enters the battery is too large it will cause an overcharge. If it is too small, it will make the battery quickly damaged.
Rectifier Regulator’s Components
Rectifier regulator’s body is made of aluminum and plastic. There are four main components of rectifier regulator, which are:
Transistor
IC Stabilizer
Diodes
Condenser
There are three components that produce heat, which are transistor, IC stabilizer, and diode. So, this is where the condenser acts as a coolant.
The number of diodes in a rectifier regulator is usually four. Each of which is connected by wires. These cables connect the rectifier regulator with components that require electricity such as horns, main lamps, turn signals, and ignitions.
These cables usually have different colors to see which way the electricity is going. The colors will vary according to the type of motorcycle. You might also be interested in the types of bicycles.
Rectifier Regulator’s Signs When Damaged
1. Lamps Often Turned Off
This is the main sign that the rectifier regulator is in trouble. Sometimes the main lamps suddenly turned off when you are going fast or going slowly. This happens because rectifier regulator is not able to limit the voltage that enters the lamp. Meanwhile, if it consists of the high voltage, it will cause the lamp to break.
2. Battery Comes Up Short
A short battery is a sign of a damaged rectifier regulator. If the rectifier regulator is normal, the current and voltage sent to the electrical components will be normal and not excessive (leaky). But if the rectifier regulator is damaged, it will have difficulty covering the electricity usage perfectly so that the energy from the battery is drained quickly. This is indicated by a dead ignition, an inaudible or even dead horn. If this happens, do not rush to replace the battery, try to first check the condition of the rectifier regulator.
3. Lamps Look Dim
This is still related to the ability of the rectifier regulator to control the use of electricity of several electrical components. As a result, if several components are used together, a damaged rectifier regulator cannot make sure all the components receiving the electricity they should. Lamps become dimmer because they don’t get enough current and voltage.
4. Motorcycle Shut Down Suddenly
When the rectifier regulator’s condition is not good even when it is off, the current and voltage will stop and drop. As a result, components that require electricity cannot function and turn off the motorcycle’s engine. This results in the stalled motorcycle, totally dead or even unusable. To prevent this, recognize the signs of the damaged rectifier regulator and repair it immediately.
5. Rough Machine Sounds
The sound that comes out of the motorcycle can also be a sign of a damaged rectifier regulator. The large voltage input causes the spark on the plug to become uncontrolled, resulting in a rough machine sound.
How to Repair Damaged Rectifier Regulator
Repairing rectifier regulator requires some special equipment and skills. If you have the tools and feel you can fix it, then you can give it a try. Here’s how to fix a rectifier regulator.
- Prepare tools for assembling the rectifier regulator. The tools are a set of a screwdriver, AVO meter, tin vacuum, and solder.
- After the tools are complete, the next step is to dismantle the rectifier regulator. Make sure when doing this, it is done carefully because usually this rectifier regulator will be securely bolted to the motor body so that it does not come off easily.
- Check the cable line when the rectifier regulator has been successfully disassembled. This is because usually rectifier regulator’s damage can be caused by damaged cables such as loose, corroded, or broken cables. However, if the cable is in good condition, the damage is in the rectifier regulator itself.
- Check rectifier regulator’s legs with AVO meter. If the condition shows weakening, it is necessary to modify the rectifier regulator so that it can function properly again.
- Modify rectifier regulator by installing two diodes on it. The way it works is by adding a diode in the direction of the cathode to the rectifier regulator. The addition of a diode here works to manipulate the voltage on the Zener diode the damage is probably caused by the battery’s failure to recognize the volume of electricity in.
In this way, the SCR gate channel is still closed which lures the diode bridge to continue to supply electrical power to the battery until the voltage is 14.8 volts when the battery voltage passes that number. This makes the Zener diode automatically open the SCR gate and from here the power supply will shrink or stop.
The steps above are a fairly effective way and can be done at home if the tools are present. However, if you are still confused about the explanation or do not have the tools, then you should take the motorcycle to an authorized repair shop in order to get a mechanical and reliable repair.