Stator question

[tommyboxes]

I have read though the stator pages and from my understanding the R/R is the flawed part that inturn destroys the stator. With that in mind if ones stator is not yet ruined could you just replace the R/R and give the stock stator more life or will it just fail?
Thanks for the info this site is a wealth of information and should give other non GS owner envy to have such a support group.

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. tommyboxes,

There are no absolute guarantees, but if your stator tests good, there's no need to replace it. If you'd like to go ahead and buy one to keep on hand, then that might give you a little more peace of mind. I have a spare stator and a spare r/r, just in case.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[bwringer]

Basically, the only real weakness in GS electrics are the El Crappo Supremo bullet connectors, most seriously the stator connectors.

When they corrode, resistance goes up and they overheat. What happens after that is a bit of a crapshoot. Depending on when you catch the problem, it can be anything from "Hm, voltage seems a bit low, better solder those stator connectors" to "Hm, I wonder where I can find a marshmallow and a stick -- might as well get some use out of this fire."

If your stator still tests good (proper AC voltage at 5,000 rpm), there's no reason to replace it. My original stator has 93,000 miles on it.

I believe the aftermarket stators can put out more current, so that might be a good enough reason to replace it, and keep the original around for a backup.

[Nessism]

I think the number one problem is the ground for the R/R. Increased resistance on this ground causes the stator to put out more and overheat. Not good.

[Steve]

I think the number one problem is the ground for the R/R. Increased resistance on this ground causes the stator to put out more and overheat. Not good.

I will agree on the r/r ground being a problem, but will have to disagree that it will make it put out more.

The r/r works by shunting excess voltage straight to ground when a certain trigger level is acheived. When it is trying to shunt the excess voltage, it has to have somewhere to go. If it can't go to ground, it stays in the SCR (the electrical shunt valve) as heat. Eventually, this heat might destroy the SCR, and it can fail in one of two ways: shorted or open. If it is shorted, then all of the output goes to ground and you don't have any charging. If it is open, there is a good chance you will have high output voltage.

The principle remains: Make sure all your electrical connections are clean and tight to minimize resistance. Resistance in an electrical circuit shows up as heat and a decrease in efficiency.

.

[77 gs550]

Happen like that for me

I just replaced my R/R. I bought an upgrade from a member here named Duaneage, and my stator is still fine. I'd only replace what is wrong at this time.

Good Luck, let us know how it turns out.