Keeper or not?

[Tamburinifan]

Discovered today I`ve got an original Ducati/Zanuzzi voltage regulator.
It has worked fine f 1,5 seasons of riding.

Q: Keep it or change?

[Finnpaso]

Tell us ONE GOOD reason; WHY to change it, if it keeps battery up and function well ?!?!? NO MATTER what is brand! Check battery voltages, when driving and let us know results....

[Tamburinifan]

Just seems like almost everyone has had failure & switched but maybe it isn`t so?
Thought maybe switch before it breaks then.
Will keep it and measure.

[persempre907]

Just seems like almost everyone has had failure & switched but maybe it isn`t so?

Most of us have experienced something bad with the stock regulator.
But, the friend of mine always tells me don't touch what's working....
Ciao

[Kurt]

... don't touch what's working....

... or, as we say hereabouts, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

[Finnpaso]

I am electrician and i agree that all 100% ! "Dont touch to such machine, what works perfectly!!!" Touching it => its STUPID!

[ducbertus]

keep the thing well earthed and drive forever.
don't fix it before it is broken

Ducbertus

[davo]

Hi, what I found with my regulator was, it was introducing AC into the electrical circuit. In theory it's suppose to be just DC.

The original problem was the bullet connectors joining the alternator wires were melted. Thinking it was due to just a loose connection, I replaced the connectors and the plug up near the reg, which was showing signs of heat as well.
Looking at the regulator, I thought might check that out while I'm there.

The auto electrician connected the reg to the machine that has the LCD screen and goes `beep` and pointed out, `that doesn't look to good`. While the reg was putting out a healthy voltage (13.5 to 13.8 volts DC), you could see there was a large amount AC signal present as well. This was due to the diodes not fully rectifying. Heat or age could be a factor with this.
He said, little bit is not a problem, but as it gradually gets worse, it could damage other components, (P7 computer) on your dream machine.

Since then, I have fitted a new regulator only as a precaution. I didn't want to get caught out on the road.
I had a 916 which the regulator died on and melted the 2 yellow AC wires coming from the alternator. That was a fun experience……………Not!

So check those AC connections, it could be sign……………..

[Laddie907]

I agree with Davo... (good on ya Davo...)

my regulator had an AC "spike"...even though it didn't effect the running or charging at the time it is a sign that the diodes (or little electrical jiggers that convert AC to DC ) aren't right.

it did get very hot and melted the wires but so did the new one...(I hate spade connectors; it's soldered now...)

the AC spike can be seen on an oscilloscope (if present) but you won't pick it up with a voltmeter.

if in doubt get it checked...but don't toss it unless failing.

if the regulator fails you get about 25kms out of the battery with lights off...it will start to backfire on deceleration...by this stage you have about 3kms until you're pushing it...

remember - amazing but true fact - the alternator warning light is triggered by the Yellow lead...if the yellow lead is unplugged the warning light does not function.
Isn't that handy?

The only redeeming feature is if the connection has failed that the red light is not on when the engine is not running [so you can check before you start the engine].

[pasolini]

just replace the battery every three years regardless.,

[persempre907]

just replace the battery every three years regardless.,

But, a bad regulator can damage other electronic stuff as the ECU.
Not so good!!!
Ciao

[pasolini]

The 907ie is definitely a keeper and I would not have ever thought about offering it for sale if it wasn't for the fact that I need to care for my parent overseas and I hate to store my red 907ie in an overheated storage unit. If not riding it, it is parked in my office. Beautiful art.
By the way if anybody needs a new headlight unit for this model, let me know. Guzzifrans@aol.com.