Which regulator rectifiers go bad?
 

Hello all, I have an 03 with a rectifier which part number reads Sh693-12. It looks somewhat different from the pictures of stock ones ive seen as this one has cooling fins. Here is a pic. Im wondering if this is the stocker or if the previous owner had it changed already. And if so is this an ideal replacement? Thanks for any info!

rectifier sh693-12 - Google Search

That is the stock unit for your 03 they have fins earlier do not. It's beter than the early ones but is not a Mofset. There are a couple high mileage guys using the one you have with no problems, my 98 had the upgraded newer one but I replaced it with a Mofset anyway.

Ok great info thx! So the r1 regulator i ordered would still be the better bet?

If it is a Mofset the answer is yes, it will have a number that starts with FH, see Tweety's sticky on the subject.

My 2002 has fins.

That's because the "earlier" in that statement refers to 97-00... 01-> has fins...

And the answer to the OP's question is probably "All the VTR one's..."