Rectifier/Regulator Problem

huttoboy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
39
1993 Johnson 115 (TJ115TLETS)My tach started acting funny. At idle it would work ok until engine warmed up then it would drop to 0 rpm. If I revved engine to 1000 rpm it would start working again and stay until I dropped to idle.I checked the charging voltage when this would happen and it was up around 15v instead of the 13.5 or so it should be. I did the Joe Reeves tach test and the tach worked fine when gray wire was hooked up to the yellow/gray wire on the terminal strip. Bad Rect/Reg!!! When I contacted iboats to get a new one they were out of stock. I looked at MarineEngine.com's site and found replacement for $66.00 instead of the $170.00 or so that I had expected. Has anyone had experience with their parts and does anyone know how reliable they are? Thanks in advance for any response.<br /><br />Bill
 

pursuit2460

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
189
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

If MarineEngine sells Rapair/CDI components then their reliable. I switched all the elec. components in my engine and they where all from CDI. All though I had my reg/rec fail after 3 times out in the water they are sending me a new one as we speak. They are very helpful also when you call them.
 

jhebert

Ensign
Joined
Jul 24, 2005
Messages
903
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

I am confused by the description of the Rapair/CDI aftermarket components as being "reliable" yet at the same mention is a description of how they failed after very short usage, only "[three] times out on the water." <br /><br />Perhaps I am a skeptic, but a part that fails after three times in service is not what I consider reliable.
 

pursuit2460

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 24, 2004
Messages
189
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

Not every single product that come of the assembly is going to be perfect. Problems happen OEM or Aftermarket. I had a OEM water pump fail on me the first time out, turned out the housing was warpped. Besides the technical advice and help that I recieved from CDI was worth the failed part.
 

huttoboy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
39
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

I question the reliability also jhebert but I'm anxious to get this boat fixed so I'll take a chance on the CDI part. Thanks everyone for your response and, by the way, does anyone know how to locate the woodruff key for the flywheel. I'm not having any luck at finding it and since I have to pull the flywheel I wanted to replace the key while I'm there.<br />Thanks<br /><br />Bill
 

Silvertip

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 22, 2003
Messages
28,771
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

Before replacing any expensive electrical component, especially ignition and rectifier/regulators, make sure the battery to engine cable terminations are clean and tight. Bad connections can create problems. Checking means disconnecting the cables, cleaning the terminations (both ends) and checking for corrosion where the cable enters the terminal. Install new terminals or replace the cables if they are not in good shape. Check the condition of the other engine harnesses for evidence of corrosion or damage as well.
 

huttoboy

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
39
Re: Rectifier/Regulator Problem

Thanks Upinsmoke. I do keep my battery and connections in good condition. I don't use wing nuts and all connections are corrosion free. When this problem started up I double checked all and then did the Joe Reeves tech test. Tach worked with his test plus, as i noted, the charging voltage was not regulating at the proper voltage. It was too high (15VDC)instead of the 13.5VDC that is normal for battery charging. My other question, since I'm sure the Rectifier is going South, is how to locate the woodruff key for the flywheel since I have to pull it anyway?<br />Thanks<br />Bill
 
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