R/R Question: Do I need a new one?

So I was working on the bike last night and pulled off the rear fairings. I took a look at the R/R assembly and found what you see in the picture. There is the black gooy stuff that is seeping out of the R/R and it's dripped onto the frame. So it looks like things have gotten hot and started to melt. Does this mean that I need a new one? I'm going to try later on today to do the check that the Haynes manual tells me to do and I'll let everyone know the results. Someone let me know if I'm wasting my time doing the check. Thanks.

Adam

 

Hey Adam,

There's a guy named Tightwad on VFR Discussion (VFR Discussion - Home) that is great with electrical stuff. If you're a member on that forum, I would try sending him a PM. He's been helpful to me.

Steve.

 

That's the original RR too.

Not bad it made it this far.

I'd say anything electrical that is leaking you would want to replace, like a bettery. Doesn't matter if it still works.

Rick's Electrics makes a good replacement for the 3rd and 4th gens.

And Tiightwad is a great guy, but this is a simple RR swap.

BZ

 

I just checked out Ricks (their website) and this is what I've found.

(10-115) OEM Style Rectifier-Regulators

This should be the only thing that I need. Is there anything else. Do I need to replace wiring? I've checked it out and there are no burn marks. Just the black goo.

 

Psssstttt...

It's a little cheaper through DennisKirk.com - Motorcycle, Harley-Davidson, ATV, Dirt Bike, Snowmobile, PWC / Watercraft Parts, Apparel, and Accessories

And I'd say it appears not at the moment. Change the RR and then test other components.

BZ

 

So looking at Dennis Kirk, there are 2, Electrosport ($94.99) and Ricks ($113.99). Of these 2, which one is better? Or does it not really matter for this?

 

The Rick's is better than the Electro Sports, but both have a good warrenty.

BZ

 

I just ordered the Ricks from DK. Price is $114 with free shipping. I figured, better safe than sorry. It's a cheap enough replacement.

 

Excellent!

Also, I would not ride until you swap the RR's out. A bad RR can cause bigger issues.

If you have a trickle charger I'd put in on the battery in the meantime, unless the battery is brand new.

Clean up all your battery connections and put the new RR on (should be plug and play) drop the battery back in and fire that 3rd gen up! Take it for a spin and come back. Then remove the seat, have a friend near by, and put your multimeter on 20 volts and rev the engine and hold the rpms at 5,000 and put the leads on the battery and see what you get. Should say 13.5 to 14.5. If so, the charging system is fine.

BZ

 

Got it. The website says that I should get the new R/R in on Wednesday next week. Can't wait. Thanks for the help. I'm doing a couple of other projects while I'm waiting for that. Fixing plastics, checking plugs, lubricating cables and what not. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again.

Adam