srad34 Posted August 24, 2011 Report Share Posted August 24, 2011 Hi all, I have been having charging issues with my '97 Ducati 748 (no surprise there then!). Its a single phase system, common fail point, mainly as they are located right next to the exhaust manifold and the alternator wires are to thin to cope with the charge heat, so shorting out is common either at the stator or on the connectors, blowing the rectifier. Not surprising when you add the heat behind the fairing. Despite speaking to Ducati, they insisted on me buying a new OE part, I asked if there is an alternative as its surely gonna happen again so.... I stumbled across a 'Ducati-north' forum and did the following: Replaced all of the wiring stator - rectifier with AWG12 grade copper wire (actually subwoofer cable)Bought a used Rectifier (mosfet type) from an 06 R1 (suitable for single or three phase stators)Relocated said rectifier on the underside of the seat unit to allow it to dissapate heat better.upgraded the earth lead from the battery (just as the OE one is proper thin) After a day wiring in, testing for continuity, all is well, lights are brighter (earth lead)and more importantly its charging properly. Overall, a result and almost a thousand miles later, goin strong. I used the R1 rectifier as it was a diode type part, more reliable that the Ducati OE stuff and runs cooler. Total cost £65 for the rectifer, wiring from an old sub and 5 cups of tea (thanks love) - Result I would definitely recommend upgrading the stator wiring end to end and relocating the rectifier even if its just to help it last longer! It goes to show that the tinterweb is not only good for porn, but good for handy upgrades! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kanerdog1x1 Posted August 26, 2011 Report Share Posted August 26, 2011 i too have suffered from a rectifier going on my 748, left me fairly stranded halfway through a trackday too. i had already upgraded the cabling, properly aswell by swapping it right back at the generator winding, and changed the plugs for some powerpole connectors. but i would be cautious of moving the rectifier too far, as the cabling may still get hot so running really long cables up to the seat unit (adding more resistance) could be a fire hazard, no? oh, and if the rectifier is positioned properly, the naca duct in the fairing will cause a low pressure point when you are moving and draw air over the rectifier and it will stay (fairly) cool. just ride faster. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
srad34 Posted August 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted August 27, 2011 i too have suffered from a rectifier going on my 748, left me fairly stranded halfway through a trackday too. i had already upgraded the cabling, properly aswell by swapping it right back at the generator winding, and changed the plugs for some powerpole connectors. but i would be cautious of moving the rectifier too far, as the cabling may still get hot so running really long cables up to the seat unit (adding more resistance) could be a fire hazard, no? oh, and if the rectifier is positioned properly, the naca duct in the fairing will cause a low pressure point when you are moving and draw air over the rectifier and it will stay (fairly) cool. just ride faster. Resistance is unaffected as its unbroken link between stator/rectifier, the insulation is heavier and pretty much the same position as 99% of bikes so no more fire risk than the original routing over the 'v' . The NACA duct does work in theory but does not draw in enough air to keep the OE rectifier cool, hence Ducati modified on 2000> bikes to help draw more air via a larger vent, along with the three phase rectifier. If Ducati had created an effective heat shield around the OE unit, this would have saved the misery of many! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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