Motorcycle Repair: oil on stator coil and other electric system Qs, stator coils, stator coil

Question
I am a student repairing a 1975 Honda CB550 I recently was given. It is a joy
to work on but a few days ago I created a problem I am stuck on. I kicked the
kick start when the alternator plate was off and a plug held in place by the
plate popped out spilling motor oil over the stator. I gravity drained off most
of the oil. Now, should I not worry about the remaining oil or try to clean it
off? I considered using some solvent to dissolve the oil but I do not want to
dissolve what seems to be enamel over the stator coils.

On a different topic I think the rectifier broke, it does not conduct electricity.
I heard that the vintage (also usually expensive) rectifiers on my kind of
motorcycle often malfunction. I have been looking for a modern replacement;
can you make any recommendations?

Also, my service manual avoids discussing the voltage regulator, how do I
check and service it? Can you make any recommendations for replacement
regulators?

Thank You

Answer
Steve, you can use electrical contact cleaner to clean out any remaining oil in the stator housing.  The voltage regulator rectifier is one unit.  I'm afraid there's no easy way to check it.  I'd recommend you check the stator and field coil to make sure they're not bad.  The manual can tell you how to do that.  If those are good it's most likely the regulator/rectifier.  I'd go to the salvage shops to find one.  I have pretty good success with cycle-recycle part 2 in Indianapolis.  You can find them in the internet.  Rob has a pretty good inventory and he knows his stuff.

Regards
Rich