cactusman
Well Known Member
I have not replaced my Ducati regulator because it has not failed . . . yet.
But here is how I would do it:
Label each wire that connects to the Ducati rectifier/regulator with the
letters: G, G, R, +B, C. "L" is not used. Remove each fast-on terminal from
the plastic connector using a small flat screwdriver to release the spring latch.
The plastic connector is not used on the new regulator because the spacing
between terminals is different. Connect the fast-ons to the John Deere
AM101406 rectifier/regulator, matching the wire marker labels to the letters
on the rectifier/regulator. Notice that the big yellow wires (doesn't matter
which) go to "G" terminals. The small yellow wire goes to the "C" terminal.
Wires "R" and "+B" have previously been spliced together in Van's harness.
Only one of them is connected to the John Deere regulator. Insulate the
other one. The most challenging task is mounting the new regulator which
has different mounting hole spacing. After installation, check electrical
system voltage. It will probably be higher than what the Ducati regulator was
set at (less than 14 volts). If the voltage is higher than about 14.5, then I
would be concerned about over charging the battery. 14.2 VDC is good.
What is driving me to install it is the continual discharging I see at lower RPMs with everything running. I usually fly with the strobes and nav and landing light flashing in the busy terminal area - I have ADS-B and am planning on dual sky view eventually - and when on descent I do see a discharge occurring with everything running. I was doing touch and goes the other day and it drove me crazy seeing that yellow discharge on base/final/rollout every time.
I am curious to see if that fixes the problem without causing another one (like wrecking an expensive battery). Perhaps installing a temp strip before and after on the battery might help.