Rectifier and regulator the same?

[Rabid]

Hello
Im new here and aquired a 1997 GTX that is depleating the charge in the battery. I replaced the battery and after riding it each time it seams the the battery isnt keeping up the charge. I went on a 2+ hour ride to charge the battery and when I got back to the dock the battery would just click the starter. Someone recommended replacing the rectifier. but in the post someone started replacing the regulator. is that the same as the rectifier?

Also the shop said that they replaced the starter relay to get rid of the low 12v message.

Thanks for the help
Mike in Texas

 

[kustomkarl]

Charging system

Here is some information on your charging system;
You will need a Multi Meter to do this test. Set your voltmeter for 20 VDC and put the leads on the correct terminal posts on the battery not running, and see what it gives for voltage. It should be around 12.4 +- volts.

When the engine is running, you should be reading anywhere from 14.5 to 14.8 VDC. Running on the hose, keep the rpm's above idle,(typically this test is done at 5,000 rpms) This tells you your charging circuit is good. If the voltage is higher, the regulator is bad. If the output isn't different running or not ,it's not charging. Also if the battery isn't too new and it has a good clean connection at the both battery ends and the ground cable going to the starter area of the engine, have the battery LOAD tested at like Auto Zone for free. It might show a full charge of 12 volts but still have a bad cell or 2 and not have the proper amps to start the engine.

here is some information on the charging systems.

I hope this information helps.

Karl