1976 evinrude 85 hp rectifier and burnt wire

[matt85evinrude]

hi every one! am new to boating an forums so bear with me on this one! have just purchased this motor knowing it was not starting, told because of power pack problem! but further inspection of the wiring on the engine revealed the red wire from the rectifier going to the terminal block and on down the wiring lume has been completed burnt out and exposed to air, any idea of why this has happened, and if so what to do next?? much appreciated!

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1976 evinrude 85 hp rectifier and burnt wire

It is possible that the burnt wire occurred when the battery lead wires were loose on the battery posts or if the wire coating disintegrated off one of the charging wires and it went to ground. If the wing-nuts or bolts ever loosen up on either battery post, there is no place for the current from the charging system to go. I think if the battery posts were ever connected in reverse, it would just fry the rectifier. The battery charging system is separate from the ignition system that fires/runs the engine, so it is possible that the power pack could also be bad.

 

[Vic.S]

Re: 1976 evinrude 85 hp rectifier and burnt wire

Burnt wires require high currents. Loose connections will cuse low currents, perhaps with voltage surges but not high currents.

Reverse connection of battery a possible cause ???? but the rectifier will be fried, possibly the stator coil damaged as well. Maybe failure of the rectifier to a short circuit.

Are the yellow wires between the rectifier and stator damaged, if not there's hope for the stator but if they shown sings of overheating I'd be fearful about the stator.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: 1976 evinrude 85 hp rectifier and burnt wire

The RED wire which is part of the engine's wiring harness..... first, correct that problem as needed, that is, replace whatever length of red wire is required.

With that length of red wire restored to its original condition, with the engine not running but with the key in the ON position, check to make sure that there is 12 volts positive (+) polarity to the terminal of that wire.

If the polarity is indeed 12 volts positive (+), install a new rectifier.

Note that reverse polarity will destroy the rectifier immediately.

 

[matt85evinrude]

Re: 1976 evinrude 85 hp rectifier and burnt wire

Wow you guys are amazing! every little bit of info helps and is much appreciated! the yellow wires from rectifier to stator seem to be fine, you guys know of any tests or checks i can do to asses the stator unit?