BSA b44/50

What I like about your bike is that it is built with period parts, just how it could have been built in the early seventies.
 
I've got to the wiring stage on this project
I decided to use a new unused Boyer power box reg/rectifier that I've had on the shelf for years thinking this could be an advantage having the built in capiciter as back up (although I will always be using a battery ) I have wired the bike negative earth
Unfortunately the regulator rectifier won't work
I've connected the two yellow wires to the alternator
And the red to positive black to negative on the battery and nothing
I tried connecting the black/yellow wire to the negative still nothing IE not charging
I've heard the capiciter can break down with age on these units if so can this affect the reg/rectifier side of the unit?
 
The issue with the powerbox is the internal capacitor is life limited the same as the Lucas 2MC, so depending on how it fails it may strand you but with no way of getting at it. Sounds like it has failed that way.
 
kommando said:
The issue with the powerbox is the internal capacitor is life limited the same as the Lucas 2MC, so depending on how it fails it may strand you but with no way of getting at it. Sounds like it has failed that way.
Click to expand...
It's looking that way
I ran out of time yesterday when I was testing it
But I'll test the alternator AC output and I'll try a spare reg/rectifier and if all is well I'll bin the powerbox
I liked the Idea of the capacitor and the delayed lighting function as I'm running points ignition I thought it'd work well
I've had the powerbox on the shelf for maybe 8 years
 
baz said:
I've had the powerbox on the shelf for maybe 8 years
Click to expand...
That is what possibly killed it. I never recommend fitting them for that reason, even with a fully charged battery it can strand you, at least with the 2MC you can get to it and disconnect it.
 
kommando said:
That is what possibly killed it. I never recommend fitting them for that reason, even with a fully charged battery it can strand you, at least with the 2MC you can get to it and disconnect it.
Click to expand...
I may cut it open before I bin it just to have a look
I'm assuming it's potted inside the metal case
 
baz said:
I'm assuming it's potted inside the metal case
Click to expand...
Yes, its the biggest can, once cut out and nothing else damaged it should revert to a reg/rect, not sure if the delayed lighting will still function or even if that failed would the whole box be taken out.
 
This is strange
I tried a known good reg/rectifier and all was well charging as it should
Then I re tried the Boyer power box and that is now working fine!!!
Maybe it's my dodgy wiring!? But it's definitely working now
Just got to decide if I trust it or not!!!
 
Old Boyer ignitions have a nasty habit of fooling you into thinking they work until you reach the farthest point from home and they die again.
 
grandpaul said:
Old Boyer ignitions have a nasty habit of fooling you into thinking they work until you reach the farthest point from home and they die again.
Click to expand...
It's not an ignition unit it's a regulator/rectifier power box
It contains a capicitor for running without a battery
 
As long as you carry the tools to de-pot the powerbox and remove the capacitor you will be fine.

But that tool bag is getting rather large ;)
 
baz said:
This is strange
I tried a known good reg/rectifier and all was well charging as it should
Then I re tried the Boyer power box and that is now working fine!!!
Maybe it's my dodgy wiring!? But it's definitely working now
Just got to decide if I trust it or not!!!
Click to expand...

Not worth the risk IMHO. As is well proven by the Law of Sod.

I‘d at least remove the suspect capacitor, or, given the relative low cost of other options, replace the whole thing.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Not worth the risk IMHO. As is well proven by the Law of Sod.

I‘d at least remove the suspect capacitor, or, given the relative low cost of other options, replace the whole thing.
Click to expand...
Yep it's a bit of a dilemma I don't really want to bin a brand new unit albeit sitting on my shelf for 8 years and appears to function correctly
Or run with another unit that I know to be good
I have room for both units so I may simply bolt the other one on and swap wires if it conks
Dunno yet
 
Have rec/rec, capacitor and BSM from Paul Goff on the B40WD. Works great. Starts without battery and keeps battery charged with lights on.
 
Mike40M said:
Have rec/rec, capacitor and BSM from Paul Goff on the B40WD. Works great. Starts without battery and keeps battery charged with lights on.
Click to expand...
I used to run a b40 with a 2mc cap , rectifier,zener without a battery
 
After a long absence I've managed to get a bit more done on my project
The tank is now fitted correctly
The badges and flip cap needed work as did the breather pipe but for the money I'm still very happy with it
The wiring is complete and working/charging
Still a few things to do and I have bought an 8" TLS for the front
 

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Sure looks sweet....
Of course, that downpipe looks a bit 'weedy', but B&Q/Homebase et al will be open over the Bank Holiday and may even be having a sale :-)
 
A bit more work done today
I need a decent center stand for this bike so I've built up the pivot stop with weld
Added a foot lever to make the stand accessible
And made a new lug for the spring
I now have the bike securely strapped on a bike bench my mate gave me
 

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