Re: merc 1000 not charging
Nope, that's not enough voltage to keep it charged, it would have to be above the terminal voltage of the battery (13.2V) to get any kind of charge in the battery.
If you're absolutely sure the new rectifier is good (if you search there's a good rectifier test writeup at this site), perhaps the stator has issues. But I've certainly seen Brand New electronic parts be DOA before! Oh, and this is Silly but make sure the rectifier is connected correctly! The stator wires will connect to terminals opposite each other. The positive wire is by itself with no terminal opposite.
Disconnect both stator wires (should be yellow) from the rectifier and check with a known accurate meter.
Resistance should be less than one (1) ohm. My book says .3 ohm as the 'advertised' spec. If it's way higher than 1 ohm the stator is probably shot. Luckily these are a lot cheaper and more common to find than later ADI stators. Just about any Inline Six (or 66 C.I.) Four with a distributor will have a stator you can use. The Fours may have short wires but you could lengthen them by splicing. Just be sure to solder any splices you might make for a better electrical connection.
This charging system is so simple that there's not much that could be wrong with it other than the stator or rectifier. Just on an off-chance, charge the battery up overnight and have it tested. A bad battery would drag voltage way down and would be hard to troubleshoot.
One last thing I can thing of to look at; check voltage output between the red (+) terminal on the rectifier, and engine ground. If you get good voltage there but not at the battery, you have a broken wire somewhere. Likely the red wire off the rectifier where it ties back into the engine harness. Just something to check, but the kind of thing that'll drive you crazy trying to find!
Anyway, HTH & G'luck, Mate!. Let us know what you find............ed
