Dead 916 ignition; fault finding tips?

[geoffp]

1996 916 strada, 3500 miles, very clean. Only had dry miles, so no crud build up anywhere, electrical connections look like new. Recent service. Recent new battery.

Riding down the freeway today at about 80, first a few seconds rough running, then cuts out altogether. (I think I remember the ignition light came on?) Coasted to a halt. Wouldn't restart. Took a look at the fuse box, the 3 amp (it says regulator on the box cover) fuse was blown. Changed it for the spare 7.5 amp fuse, started ok ran for a few seconds, then cut out. 7.5 amp fuse blown. Stop and scratch head. Still scratching. I'm a new hire to the 916 fraternity having only bevel Ducatis until now; I know how to fix them...

Any suggested faults and what to look for please?

Cheers
Geoff

[Chaz]

Sounds like retifier relay to me if original they gave a lot of trouble.

[keefer]

agreed rectifier is most likely
check the connections and the wire coming out the clutch side crank case cover.
these are not really up to the job and melt so it is possible it is shorting out

[geoffp]

It's currently the original unit; sounds unanimous then; I'll check out the rectifier and relay then.
Cheers & thanks
Geoff

[keefer]

if you require a rectifier
I have a 2 phase one from my 748 that I don't need any more
let me know

[geoffp]

Thanks for the offer Keefer, I appreciate it. Unfortunately while I am a Brit, I do live in Houston, Texas so mailing it over from the UK would be impractical.

I guess the hot weather here also takes it's toll on the RR; I was smugly thinking that, as there's no salt on the roads here and thus no corrosion of electrical connectors to speak of, I would be spared high resistance loads melting my loom/ RR.

Ah well....cheers
Geoff

[KeefyB]

Its the heat build up that kills 'em.The origional units were mounted on a plastic tray under the battery near the exhaust.The later ones are mounted on an alloy plate that acts as a heat sink.

[geoffp]

Is it possible to make up an alloy plate on to which you can fit the correct RR?

[keefer]

yep its only a rectangular piece of ally
strangely enough though the new items don't use any heat sink
can post up a picture tomorrow if you need it.
also it would not be a problem to ship out the part I have if you need it
Pay Pal is available

[KeefyB]

Is it possible to make up an alloy plate on to which you can fit the correct RR?
Yep,..I made one for my 916.(I used a non genuine rectifier after mine went pop.)
I seem to remember Ducati supplies a fitting kit with a new rectifier that also includes a bit of wiring loom.Oh yeah,the new unit has no provision for the charging light,...there's confidence for ya!

[geoffp]

I can confirm it's another blown RR! Such is life. I'm replacing it and will make up a heat sink in alloy on which to mount it.
Cheers and thanks
Geoff