A co-worker came up to me with a question or two. I don't own a snow mobile, never did and likely never will. He ownsa a 1994 Polaris XLT SP snow mobile. His version is pull start (no battery or starter motor). Apparently these creatures have some sort of alternator with a regulator and produce 12 volts (I guess DC) for accessories. I don't know? I am asking. A problem seems to be these things use a regulator (I have heard it called a two wire regulator). I am not even sure if the alternator is similar to 3 phase automotive or single phase whatever alternator. The problem is the regulators burn out. There are aftermarket versions from Taiwan labeled to be 200 Watt units and they have a short life. Typical cost $20 USD. Not much but they don't last. Trying to find reasonably priced OEM is difficult and once found they cost much more and still tend to burn out after use.
These regulatiors, on fail generally just allow open voltage which can quickly burn out the headlamp which on a cold dark night can be a real problem.
Question is, anyone here familiar with these systems? How difficult would it be to come up with a reasonable replacement? Meaning a design that won't burn out on a regular basis. I just have no knowledge of the snow mobile electrical system. I don't even know how they make power beyond possibly some form of alternator. So if anyone here has one of these animals or similar and could provide some insight it would be most appreciated.
Ron