Hot voltage regulator

[vincep99]

I put a new HotShot MOSFET regulator on my 2007 Monster and it gets really hot. I checked the voltage output, and it was right where it is supposed to be: 14.5 volts.

Stator output is right where ehee it is supposed to be.

I checked all the posts on the this forum and saw some general ideas about grounds, but nothing specific.

Anyone have any ideas where to look? I wonder if there is a problem that fried my original VR?

[Howie]

Unfortunately, over the internet, there is no way to tell how hot is hot.  That said, the regulator works by shunting excess current to ground, dissipated in the form of heat.  MOSFET regulators do this without producing as much heat, but they still get hot.  A shunt regulator usually runs about 200-220^oF.  A MOSFET, cooler, I have no real figure, but still uncomfortably hot to the touch.

[vincep99]

Thanks for the answer.

Good point: what does "hot" mean?

Unfortunately my infrared thermometer broke, but they are not that expensive so maybe I will pick up a new one tonight.

[Howie]

A not accurate but pretty good test is throw a drop or two on it and see if and how quickly it sizzles.

[Speeddog]

150 degF is sorta "average person can't keep their hand on it indefinitely" hot.
It's not 'Ow I just got burned' hot.
Exceptions are waiters/waitresses who handle hot plates regularly, and other folks with similar experience.

~160 is generally taken as an industrial safety touch burn limit.

Likely not much above that is reflexive pulling away from the touch.