1978 Johnson 35hp no rectifier but motor runs

[sam03v]

Hello,<br /><br />I just finished rebuilding the powerhead on my 1978 35hp johnson and I am hooking up the electrical stuff now. According to the shop manual there should be a rectifier, but I do not have one. In fact it never had one. The motor was a freebie and I had it running on the water once before i tore it down. My question is...does the rectifier only charge the battery or does it have some other purpose? Do I need it if I don't care about the battery?(it's a pull start).<br /><br />Thanks in advance,

 

[Lubosleftboot]

Re: 1978 Johnson 35hp no rectifier but motor runs

The rectifier is only for charging the battery as you have said and your engine will run as the required electricity to fire the plugs is generated by coils inside the alternator..

 

[ezeke]

Re: 1978 Johnson 35hp no rectifier but motor runs

Exactly right answer from Lubosleftboot, in my opinion. <br /><br />In fact, if you install a rectifier, then you need to have the battery all of the time, wheras without a rectifier you can use either starting method and leave the battery at home when you wish to do so.

 

[sam03v]

Re: 1978 Johnson 35hp no rectifier but motor runs

Thanks to both you guys for the quick reply! I'm gonna leave the rectifier off...

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: 1978 Johnson 35hp no rectifier but motor runs

Just a quick curiosity questions here, if the engine only needs a rectifier to charge the battery, then what rectifies the electricity going to the ignition coils and the power pack out of the stator, if you don't have a rectifier on it? Thanks.