What is a stator, and how does it work?
If you’re not sure what a stator is or how to maintain it, you’re not alone. Many motorcyclists and motorsport enthusiasts ignore their entire electrical and charging systems until they malfunction. Today’s technology-driven parts are generally reliable and long-lasting, so it’s often better not to mess with them anyway unless there’s a reason. However, it’s critical to understand the components that comprise the charging system so that you know what to look for, what to test, and what you’ll need replaced should your machine start to malfunction.
What is a stators?
Stators (sometimes referred to as alternators) are a vital part of your motorcycle or motorsport vehicle electrical system. Within the world of stators, there are permanent magnet systems and field excited stators. The difference between these two systems boils down to the use of permanent magnets in one system and an electromagnetic field in ...
When should you replace a stator?
You’ll find that they need to be replaced throughout your machine’s lifespan.
How to measure a stator?
Label your stator’s output lines 1,2, and 3 (order does not matter). Connect the multimeter leads in phase 1 and phase 2 and wait for the reading to stabilize. Record your result. Repeat for phases 2 and 3 and check your reading. Lastly, measure from phases 1 and 3 and check your reading. Your results should sit comfortably in the range dictated by your stator and its manufacturer. Finally, check to make sure that none of the three have continuity to ground (if it’s on the bike use the engine case, if it’s not use the metal core of the stator).
What is a stator on a motorcycle?
Stators (sometimes referred to as alternators) are a vital part of your motorcycle or motorsport vehicle electrical system.
What is a permanent magnet stator?
A permanent magnet stator is a stationary piece of circular metal with prongs that have lengths of copper wires wrapped around them, which are then connected into either a “wye” or “delta” pattern. The coils produce electricity as magnets on the rotor, or the flywheel, move around the stator.
What is a field excited stators?
Field excited stators are similar to permanent magnetic systems, except they operate with an electromagnet instead of permanent magnets. Electromagnets are only magnetized when in use and result in variable strength, which impacts the battery charge.
What does a stator do on a quad?
In simple terms, the stator generates the electricity that powers the battery in a motorcycle, ATV or side-by-side, and is therefore responsible for powering the vehicle itself.
What is a motorcycle stator?
What is a motorcycle stator? Installed in smaller motor driven vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis and ATVs, stators produce an electrical charge to power accessories, fire spark plugs and recharge batteries. Functioning similarly to the alternator or generator in an automobile, stators are coils of wrapped wire producing DC…
Can a bad stator damage a battery?
As far as the battery, yes a bad stator/regulator can destroy a new battery. If it’s run at a very low voltage without being recharged then it can be destroyed. It actually happens all the time. In most cases if we replace a stator or regulator the battery has to be changed as well as it won’t hold a charge.
Will a motorcycle run with a bad Rectifier?
If you put a freshly charged battery in your motorcycle, and you have a bad rectifier, it won’t stop your motorcycle from starting, but your battery wouldn’t stay charged. The regulator/rectifier on your motorcycle performs two functions.
What can cause a stator to go bad?
There are a few things that may cause a stator to fail. Too heavy of a load when operating accessories (winch,heated grips,headlights, etc). If working several of these items at one time (plowing/pulling/possibly stuck at night) you would overload the system. This could cause either the stator or rectifier to fry.
Can a stator go bad from sitting?
Stators do not go bad from sitting unless the mag housing is full of water.
What happens when a rectifier goes bad?
First, the diode can burnout and cause the battery to drain. You won’t have any trouble diagnosing the faulty regulator rectifier if the battery is the cause. You’ll note signs right away like poor starts, fluctuating meter readings, and dimmed headlights. around 13 volts, the bike will start to drain the battery.
What Does a Stator Do on a Motorcycle?
In a nutshell, the stator outputs electrical current inside the generator.
How Motorcycle Charging Systems Work
Before we go any further, it’s important to get a quick overview of how the charging system works on a motorcycle. Just in case something else is causing the problem and not the stator.
Motorcycle Stator Test
If you suspect that your motorcycle’s stator is bad, then you can quickly and easily test it for faults using the following methods.
What Causes a Stator to go Bad?
A motorcycle stator is simply a piece of iron with copper windings around it – there’s not much that could go wrong. However, stators do go bad sometimes, but mostly due to other components that have gone bad.
Will a Bad Stator Cause no Spark?
Yes, a bad stator can cause a no spark condition. If the stator is shorted to ground, then it can also pull the rectifier/regulator and the CDI to ground with it and cause a no spark.
What is a bar coiled stator?
Bar coiled stator: This is a compact stator with coils arranged and attached to a backing plate. The coils are attached to bars and not an iron core. This type of stator is more common in older ATVs.
What is the purpose of a stator?
The stator’s primary job is to recharge your ATV’s battery while it is in use, but many ATVs have stators capable of doing more. Your stator might include one or more of the following:
What is a Stator and What Does it Do?
A stator is an electrical component of ATVs that is responsible for recharging the battery while the ATV is in use. Think of it like your car’s alternator.
What happens if your ATV stator goes bad?
If your stator is bad, the battery of your ATV will not charge while the ATV is running. This can be caused by several other problems, however, so the only way to be sure that your stator has gone bad is to perform a series of tests using a multimeter. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about your ATV’s stator, ...
Why do ATVs use three phase stators?
Three Phase Stators: Most ATVs use a three-phase stator because they are capable of producing more electricity. It uses three wires to create the coils that circle the iron core. The cable coming off the stator will clearly have three wires (usually yellow, but not always) if you have a three-phase stator.
How much does it cost to replace a stator on an ATV?
Stators aren’t usually expensive for most ATVs. They will usually cost under $100 for the part and can be significantly less.
What are the different types of stators?
There are three different types of stators: Single Phase Stators: Not as powerful. Uses a single wire to create the coils that circle the iron core. You will see two wires in the cable coming off the stator. Three Phase Stators: Most ATVs use a three-phase stator because they are capable of producing more electricity.
How does a stator work?
A stator works by a series of magnets in the flywheel passing over the coils on the stator. This produces an alternating electrical current. Older model outboards had stators for the sole purpose of battery charging through the regulator and the ignition systems were driven from the battery itself.
What is a stator on a boat?
What is a stator? A stator is basically a generator on earlier model outboards, or an alternator on later models. The purpose of the stator is to supply the energy needed to operate the ignition system on an outboard boat motor. It also contains charge coils which provides a charge current for the batteries.
How many amps does a stator have?
Stators come in various outputs from 6 amp to 40 amp. People commonly have the misconception in thinking that a small amp stator will fully charge the cranking battery. This is not true at all. The stator on an outboard only reaches its rated output at wide open throttle.