Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

It is easy enough to build a unregulated rectifier, that is why the relatively low price of a new one. The regulator is another story, mostly because of the heat problem.

http://www.iboats.com/mall/partfind...d_poid=109227&gd_row=154&**********=009831370

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

Hey, My battery wasn't damaged.....it is holding its charge at 12.55volts

 

[jtexas]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

12.55 is around 85% of a full charge. I wouldn't trust it until I had it load tested. Or at leasted measured each cell with a hydrometer.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

Canadian tire load tested it and said the battery was fine

 

[jtexas]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

hope you won't think I put you to a lot of trouble for nothing - at least I'll sleep a little better --

25amp, 50volt rectifier, USD 3.29

http://www.radioshack.com/product/i...igkw=rectifier&kw=rectifier&parentPage=search

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

Thanks for the upkeep....I just found out i can buy a new Rectifier for $57.74 here in the city and they have them in stock to boot....I do have one question though....if the stator is not within specs of what it should be....could that cause rectifier damage....well termination?

Patrick

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

The rectifier changes alternating current to direct current to charge the battery. It uses a system of blocking diodes to keep the flow of voltage in one direction only.

The rectifiers are usually damaged by voltage flowing in the wrong direction and ruining the diodes.

Typical causes of recifier failure are loose battery cables, weak failing battery, reversing polarity on the battery cables, disconnecting battery cables while engine is cranking, turning ignition off and on quickly, failing ignition switch, switching batteries while running.

It is somewhat rare that the problem (with rectifiers) is other than human error.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

I changed the rectifier and still no charging...what is the next item to test and/or replace? Is it the stator or the power pack?

Thanks for all your help.

Patrick

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

Check the charging coils after you test the new rectifier to be sure that it is good. The powerpack is part of the ignition system and has nothing to do with charging.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

What are the charging coils? Is this the stator? The stator has built in coils I know, but they can't be changed unless you change the whole stator.

Patrick

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

If the engine will run you can check the output voltage from the yellow and yellow/grey wires at the the terminal block with the rectifier disconnected.

With the engine turning above 2000 RPM, using a AC Voltmeter with a lead grounded to the block, touching either yellow wire from the stator at the terminal block with the other lead should read 12 Volts AC. Running 2000 RPM on muffs is NOT recommended.

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

do you have to have the rectifier disconnected? Will I not get a reading of 12-14volts DC at battery when the engine is running at idle on muffs from the terminal plugs? It is winter here and I can't really even fire the boat up yet, just wondering what I can do to figure this thing out.

I assume you want me to test the stator at running to see if the stator is bad. The charge coils on the stator can be tested by the above test I assume. Is there any other way to test the stator? I know that there is a certain resistance between the terminals of the stator when it is not running, but i hear that can change when the stator heats up.

I am just curious to know that if the NEW rectifier doesn't fix the charging problem that a new stator will. Thanks.

Patrick

 

[ezeke]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

If there is a problem with the rectifier you won't get steady DC voltage at the battery, but you will not be able to tell where the problem is (rectifier or stator).

You Said: "I changed the rectifier and still no charging...what is the next item to test and/or replace? Is it the stator or the power pack?"
and,
"It is winter here and I can't really even fire the boat up yet, just wondering what I can do to figure this thing out."

If you can't run the motor, how do you know that the new rectifier isn't working?

 

[Saskatoon2005]

Re: Charging system doesn't work anymore....help!

My bad, sorry I guess i am not explaining myself very well,

I changed the rectifier in the summer and still had a huge drain on the battery. After trolling around, and then stopping the motor to fish in one spot, I could not start the boat back up. I think I will buy a load tester for the battery and find out if that will tell me that canadian tire is out to lunch....LOL!

I wonder if there is a wrong way to replace the rectifier as well. I mean I am 99% sure I took the battery connections off before I replaced the rectifier.