I've done one half of this test.
It is a simple test to determine if the Podtronics regulator creates a lot of extra heat in the stator. It's been suggested that it does and that this excess heat will cook the stator eventually.
The first half of the test involved starting the cold bike (65 degrees in shop, 55 outside) then riding it 12 miles.
The 60watt headlight is on as well as a 40 watt vest.
Total electrical load is 150 watts. Most of the ride had the monitor showing amber, however it did change to green a few times when I allowed the revs to creep up to 3900 or so.
Amber is above 12.45 volts, green is above 13.1
The balance point for this load is right around 3800 rpm.
A little above that and the monitor changes to green.
At 3800 it holds a steady amber, which tells me the alternator is producing the full load amount of 150 watts but no more.
The voltage regulator should be asleep for this part of the test.
According to the Lucas Service notes, their Alternators can provide their full rated power continuously without being harmed.
At the end of the 12 mile 3800 rpm ride I was very warm and so was the stator
It measured 120 degrees F. Other items in there were cooler. The primary cover itself was a tepid 88f.
The bike is now on a trickle charger with a high voltage cutout.
The plan is to fully charge the battery then torture test the stator and Podtronics tomorrow.
With a fully charged battery and no headlight or heated vest load, the Podtronics will be working overtime to regulate the voltage.
If this activity builds excess heat in the stator as has been suggested, it should be a lot hotter than 120f at the end of tomorrow's ride, which will be done at the same RPM.
Glen
It is a simple test to determine if the Podtronics regulator creates a lot of extra heat in the stator. It's been suggested that it does and that this excess heat will cook the stator eventually.
The first half of the test involved starting the cold bike (65 degrees in shop, 55 outside) then riding it 12 miles.
The 60watt headlight is on as well as a 40 watt vest.
Total electrical load is 150 watts. Most of the ride had the monitor showing amber, however it did change to green a few times when I allowed the revs to creep up to 3900 or so.
Amber is above 12.45 volts, green is above 13.1
The balance point for this load is right around 3800 rpm.
A little above that and the monitor changes to green.
At 3800 it holds a steady amber, which tells me the alternator is producing the full load amount of 150 watts but no more.
The voltage regulator should be asleep for this part of the test.
According to the Lucas Service notes, their Alternators can provide their full rated power continuously without being harmed.
At the end of the 12 mile 3800 rpm ride I was very warm and so was the stator
It measured 120 degrees F. Other items in there were cooler. The primary cover itself was a tepid 88f.
The bike is now on a trickle charger with a high voltage cutout.
The plan is to fully charge the battery then torture test the stator and Podtronics tomorrow.
With a fully charged battery and no headlight or heated vest load, the Podtronics will be working overtime to regulate the voltage.
If this activity builds excess heat in the stator as has been suggested, it should be a lot hotter than 120f at the end of tomorrow's ride, which will be done at the same RPM.
Glen
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I've seen IR readings of 240F on car alternators producing full power and all electrical readings were perfectly normal.
