Forum

[Ian M Brown]

Folks, am I right in thinking that, if my battery bursts on a ride, & I subsequently find most of the bulbs blown on the bike, that my regulator/rectifier is trashed ?
I ask, because having fitted a new battery, it is charging at 14-14.5 volts (No higher !) this is normal & indicates no fault ?
Confused of Sheerness

[PeteF]

Yes, you're right so that's a mystery.
You are checking the charging voltage with the bike running?
I think 14.2v is supposed to be the ideal but it doesn't sound too much.

[Norm]

Ian I just had a reply 5 mins ago from Boyer because my query to them was that I thought that 14.5 volts at idle with a new alternator, new powerbox and new battery was to high but they came back saying that was spot on. I'm still not convinced though, I'm still nervous. Riding with the lights on all the time at the moment

[Alan R]

Hi IAN-------- what do you mean by}----- Battery "Bursts" ?? Has it split or cracked open or similar ??..The RECTIFIER changes the Voltage from A/C to D/C.................The REGULATOR will "regulate" the maximum Voltage allowed into the bikes circuitry...Generally it's set between 13.5 and 14.2 Volts...........................If the battery has Boiled dry then your Regulator is suspect

[Ian M Brown]

Hi folks, Alan, yes, the battery has literally burst open front & back above the clamp, leaving the top plate partially unattached ! It's my understanding that the regulator/ rectifier are one & the same ? And, yes, I am checking charging voltage at idle and when revved up., anyway, I have purchased a Boyer Powerbox, which should eliminate the problem ?

[Alan R]

--------- "Expletive Deleted" !!----------The only time I've heard of that happening was the charging rate was so high the electrolyte gassed up and an ignition source ignited it with the result that the casing split asunder.....As described earlier the REGULATOR and the RECTIFIER are two, seperate items but might be enclosed into the one container..............The Boyer Power Box is the best option IMHO that is >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[Norm]

Ian,
Just checking you got the 3 phase one for the Electra didn't you

[Frank]

Sounds more likely to me that there has been a direct short across the battery. The +ve terminal is very close to the frame. If it is uninsulated then any slight movement is likely to cause it to short. I should also check the routing of the new battery's vent pipe to make sure it is free flowing. It would take some overcharge to burst it.

[Ian M Brown]

Alan, yes, I know what you're saying, the reg & rectifier are separate entities, but within the same case.
Norm, yes I have the 3 phase unit, 3 yellow wires, one red, one black, Boyer a re only 12 miles from my home !
Frank, yes, you are right too, this could have been the cause, but it burst ( I believe). When I flashed the main-beam ? I bought a new battery with the +ve & -ve poles reversed