Rectifier Charging Question

[DUKE1]

Hello, (99 Johnson 225)

I just finished up a problem with my tach not working, and when I tested the R/R, I got that two of the four diodes were open, or giving me the same reading both ways. I figured out that my tach issue was a really a ground issue and once I got that to work, I noticed that my volt meter was in the green on 14V and the battery was taking a charge.

It's always possible I screwed something up when I was testing the R/R (on OHM) and I didn't do it right, but I was pretty careful to follow the directions.

So my question is can I use the R/R that appears to be working, or should I still replace it.

Thanks
Duke1

 

[karlow1]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

What's an R/R?
I know R&R = remove & replace.
As fare as testing rectifiers with a meter, it will not harm them.
It may not tell you if they are good or bad unless it has a diode test position.
On diode test, the meter will indicate the voltage drop when the diode is on (foward position). It will indicate OL overload or open in the reverse direction. In diode test position, the meter will only put out about 3Vdc at a very low current. Rectifiers are beefy diodes, so no problem if you keep the test below16VDC and 2 amps. Hell, you could uses a test light and a 12 battery for the test! Light on Light off!

KP

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

By R/R he's referring to the rectifier/regulator in V6's.

Duke, is this the same issue that is in the other thread? http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=269266

If so, I think it's definitely possible for the rectifier to be partially bad and still charge (but not run the tach). Like I mentioned, it did happen to me.

 

[guy74]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

What's an R/R?
I know R&R = remove & replace.
KP

Regulator/Rectifier is what he's talking about.
Darn, I got beat to it!

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

dajohnson53,

Yes..same issue only now I have the tach working and the R/R seems to be working as well. I know you had a similar problem so I wanted to confer with you about that. I've got a new one coming but I didn't want to replace it if it seems to be working.

Sounds like I should still replace it...is that what your thinking?

Thanks
Duke1

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

dajohnson53,

Yes..same issue only now I have the tach working and the R/R seems to be working as well. I know you had a similar problem so I wanted to confer with you about that. I've got a new one coming but I didn't want to replace it if it seems to be working.

Sounds like I should still replace it...is that what your thinking?

Thanks
Duke1

Believe me, I'm no expert with only a single experience in this area.

Are you saying that your tach works and the battery is charging properly? My situation was quite a bit different than yours in that my tach was not working, even when I tried a brand new one.

I thought from your other thread that the tach was not working, but the battery was charging, like my situation. Based on that (mis?) understanding, my only comment was yes, the rectifier could be bad (as indicated by the tach not working), but it could still charge.

The key to my troubleshooting was that my rectifier failed the Joe Reeve's tach/rectifier test listed in the FAQ: http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=190636

In my STRICTLY AMATEUR opinion: if my tach had been working along with good charging, I would have never considered replacing the R/R - it would just not have crossed my mind.

I hope someone with more expertise chimes in.

 

[DUKE1]

Re: Rectifier Charging Question

I'll do that rectifier test of J.Reeves again and see what the outcome is. But just to clarify, my tach does work now as well as my R/R seems to be charging the battery.

Once I got a good ground..they both began working. I'll watch it and see.

Thanks much,
Duke1