Is my stator done?

[Guest]

Went on a 2 hour trip to go look at another GS 400 tonight.

When I got there I noticed that my starter had somewhat of a hard time turning the motor but it still fired right up.

So on the way back I saw that my headlight was getting dimmer and dimmer and would dim almost to niothing when I hit the brakes.

Got home and the battery is too weak to start the motor.

I then realised that tonight was the first time that I rode for a loong time with the headlights on because I ride during the day usualy.

I think my stator doesnt have the juice to charge the battery anymore.

Whats the best way to test a stator?

I've tested car alternators before with shop equipement but never a bike stator.

[Big Rich]

http://www.thegsresources.com/garage/gs_statorfacts.htm

[Nessism]

Better version...http://members.dslextreme.com/users/..._Phase_20A.pdf

It's critical to improve the wiring. Route stator wires directly into the R/R and make sure the R/R is properly grounded.

[jfman]

Thanks for the tips guyz. So once your stator has quit charging, replacing the R/R and rewire it correctly will not fix the stator but will make sure that the new stator you install wont go bad?

Better version...http://members.dslextreme.com/users/..._Phase_20A.pdf

It's critical to improve the wiring. Route stator wires directly into the R/R and make sure the R/R is properly grounded.

[koolaid_kid]

Unfortunately, none of the above. Doing the work will insure that you maximize the hours before it goes bad again. An inherent weakness in the GS charging system design, unfortunately.
Many of us have our own personal beliefs for this weakness, btw.

[jfman]

Are higher output stators available for our bikes?

[pete]

I'm pretty sure higher output stators are available.

I got an Electrex World one for mine (it was available locally) and seem to recall on their website that there was a high output version...

There's also Ricks stators and another popular one that the name escapes me...

[koolaid_kid]

I have seen aftermarket units that claim they have 20% higher output. The only way to accomplish this is by using more windings, btw.
Suzuki has been coy about their output for the GS models, but the 1980 GS1100E was rated at 230 watts, so a 20% increase would put it at around 280 watts. CBXWorld specs
Is there any particular reason you feel that you need one with a higher output?

[Big Rich]

Just curious, but couldn't a high output stator put more stress on the R/R?

Sorry for the mini-jack.

[Nessism]

A high output stator will generate more heat, which will cook both itself and the R/R easier. I'd stay clear.

[jfman]

Thanks for the useful info guyz.

Bump started it this am(gotta love 400 twins) and went to the tag office. Of course the lights stayed off because it's daytime. When I left the tag office I had a full battery.

Lights on - battery goes dead

Lights off - battery charges back up

[pete]

Thanks for the useful info guyz.

Bump started it this am(gotta love 400 twins) and went to the tag office. Of course the lights stayed off because it's daytime. When I left the tag office I had a full battery.

Lights on - battery goes dead

Lights off - battery charges back up

That sounds like you've got a borderline charging system, so you may find your stator and R/R are ok but your wiring and grounding is dodgy.

Start with the connectors and grounds, bypass the headlight loop, get the stator direct to the R/R, and then see where you're at...

[Mekanix]

Do you still have all the stock charging system ?

I know for a fact that the stock RR will fry one leg of the 3 inside the RR. Done it on both my 400's with the stock RR's

With the headlight on you need to keep it above 5000 to keep even. But with the light off it will charge juts fine.

Electrosport stator's do put out more power and combined with one of their RR's it will charge to 14.4 just off idle.

At idle it will eventually get to 13.5v with the headlight on.

It's still a shunt type system though so if your not using the power you get extra heat.

I've got two years on mine so far.