Mercury Thunderbolt

[redbaja]

I own a beautiful 1968 650SS Mercury outboard. 4cyl, 65HP, IGN TYPE III, electric start. The battery no longer is being charged, and the engine does not have a stator or rectifier like all the schematics show. I removed the switch box assembly which looks exactly like IGN TYPE II, because I read, in the manual, that the rectifier is part of this system. I brought the switch box to my local Mercury repair center, but they said that they have no idea how to test this part. They called up to Mercury for help, but they also had no clue. The switch box assembly is still available for about $375, but I do not want to buy parts if I am not sure that they need to be replaced.
Any ideas?

 

[Laddies]

Re: Mercury Thunderbolt

You need to find a new dealership if they couldn't test that system, heres the test from CDI you can do it yourself

 

[steelespike]

Re: Mercury Thunderbolt

I'm sure no expert on these systems but it appears to me that all these motors have an alternator/stator and a rectifier these circuits are pretty simple with the rectifier output going to the positive of the battery without involving any components other than the wiring.While it appears to go to the switch box it appears to me it is just a jump off point to the positive side of the battery.Without a stator/alternator and rectifier there is no charge circuit.My after market manuals cover 65-89 and the basic charge circuit
appears about the same for all.