bad regulator/rectifier?

[willmcdonough]

Does anyone know what the symptoms of a bad reg/rectifier might be?
Within 3 minutes of running my 80 gs1000 rectifier is getting quite warm as well as the lead connections coming from it. As I posted before this bike has some issue - either carb or electrical - that prevents it from exceeding 5,000 rpm. At or before 5k rpm (not even under load) the bike wants to bog down and cut out. I cleaned the carbs already and I suppose they may need it again....Just curious if anyone has run into a similar problem or has some advice. Thanks

[Octain]

Does anyone know what the symptoms of a bad reg/rectifier might be?
Within 3 minutes of running my 80 gs1000 rectifier is getting quite warm as well as the lead connections coming from it. As I posted before this bike has some issue - either carb or electrical - that prevents it from exceeding 5,000 rpm. At or before 5k rpm (not even under load) the bike wants to bog down and cut out. I cleaned the carbs already and I suppose they may need it again....Just curious if anyone has run into a similar problem or has some advice. Thanks

If Im not mistaken the rectifier wont have any effect on the performance of the bike.
Your problem sounds carb related to me.
The 80 model has CV's on it right?

[Nessism]

One of the standard GS fixes is to run the R/R ground over to the battery, or at least to a more secure place on the frame. I doubt this is related to the running problem but it's a must do anyway.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. willmcdonough,

The years have taken their toll on the electrical systems of these classic bikes. Moving the r/r ground wire is pretty much mandatory. These bikes also love clean connections and grounds as well as clean fuse boxes. Take the time to use a small wire brush and contact cleaner where necessary. More details on my website in the "Electrical Odd and Ends" section. Check out the troubleshooting chart in The Stator Papers too. Much more info in the links below. Now let me say "Howdy!"...

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[850 Combat]

If the cables are hot, there are bad connections. It sounds like you have an R/R problem, but it should be unrelated to any running issues, as previously stated.

The trouble shooting guide in the Stator Papers will fix you up.

I like to replace the 4 main R/R connectors with soldered connections (3 in one out), and add a grounding jumper from the starter relay mount to the battery.

It sounds like yours is working too hard.

[posplayr]

If the cables are hot, there are bad connections. It sounds like you have an R/R problem, but it should be unrelated to any running issues, as previously stated.

The trouble shooting guide in the Stator Papers will fix you up.

I like to replace the 4 main R/R connectors with soldered connections (3 in one out), and add a grounding jumper from the starter relay mount to the battery.

It sounds like yours is working too hard.

exactly

[willmcdonough]

Thanks for the support, I have found the problem to be the fact this bike had the original air box removed without any rejetting. I was told it is normal the rectifier warms up, though I do need to reroute the ground. All connections look to be ok. As a test I made a plate - out of an old license plate, and cut it to cover all four carbs inlets. I drilled 1 - 3/4 inch hole per carb to restrict air intake. I started the bike up and was able to achieve normal rpm's! I rode it around the block a few times and it preformed flawlessly!! Pretty amazing it worked so well actually, as before I could not even get going without it completely bogging out on me. Not a long term fix, but now I can ride at least...I think this may be redneck engineering at its best - bike fixed up with no money spent!! Thanks again for the info everyone, Will

[duaneage]

The regulators do warm up but if they get red hot that's a problem. Check it after a ride every once in a while to see if it is overheating. You'll know if it is abnormally hot.