rectifier vs. regulator?

[coreyw20]

New to the forums. I've been reading some post regarding rectifiers. I have a 85' 115 with the thunderbolt ignition. My rectifier has gone bad and I am getting ready to replace it. What is the difference in a rectifier and a Regulator? Do I add the regulator with the rectifier or are they two seperate things? What are your suggestions?

Thanks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: rectifier vs. regulator?

A rectifier converts the AC from the stator to DC for charging the battery. A regulator regulates that DC current. Not all motors have a rectifier, like yours and it is not necessary. You can add one tho if you are having problems with high voltage. Newer motors have the rectifier and regulator combined into one package and when the rectifier goes you have to replace both.

 

[j_martin]

Re: rectifier vs. regulator?

Not all motors have a regulator. A rectifier is necessary to convert the AC from the stator to DC.

If your motor has a regulator, it would be about a 1 1/2 inch square module with 2 terminals on it. One goes to one of the stator wires, and the other goes to the red battery circuit. It's obsolete, probably because it is better at starting fires than regulating voltage.

At the low current your motor puts out a well maintained cranking battery (not sealed) will regulate the voltage for the system, trading off a little water usage for the task.

If you want to put on a regulator, you could use one of the mercury 20 amp regulators, or fit one of the 15 amp garden tractor regulators for about 30 bucks.

A standard 20 amp, 200v or more bridge rectifier will last forever, while the mercury stock rectifier which is considerably lighter in build than the 3 dollar or so electronics store rectifier.

All this has been discussed to boredom on the board. Do a search or 2

hope it helps
John