Testing a water cooled rectifier

[divo]

I purchased a used 85 horse Johnson (j85ttleo). I was only able to run it once before putting away for winter. While doing some work on it I noticed that a couple wires comming from the rectifier are disconnected and taped off. I have the Factory manual, but all I found in there was a test while engine is running. I wont be able to start the engine til spring. Are there any tests I can do on it without starting it? Thanks

 

[ccnstlr]

Re: Testing a water cooled rectifier

You should be able to test the diodes as described in the post "Is my 115 rectifier bad?" on the index page. You may want to read it. I just replaced my reg/rect (same part# as yours 1988 E175) but test didn't go as the book described (using a Fluke DVOM anyways). Couldn't prove the rectifier was bad, but I replaced it anyways since I was replacing the stator.

By the way, which 2 wires are taped off?

 

[divo]

Re: Testing a water cooled rectifier

You should be able to test the diodes as described in the post "Is my 115 rectifier bad?" on the index page. You may want to read it. I just replaced my reg/rect (same part# as yours 1988 E175) but test didn't go as the book described (using a Fluke DVOM anyways). Couldn't prove the rectifier was bad, but I replaced it anyways since I was replacing the stator.

By the way, which 2 wires are taped off?

Thanks for the reply. The test in the thread you are refering to also requires starting the engine. The wires that are disconnected are the red wire that goes to the starting solenoid and the grey wire that goes to the terminal strip. If possible I would like to figure it out before spring. I am thinking the rectifier is bad...but a quick search says an OMC replacement is $210. Thats alot of cash to replace it without testing and knowing for sure.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Testing a water cooled rectifier

divo, The red wire is the charging wire. If it is disconnected, no battery charging will occur. The grey wire runs the tach.

The rectifier/regulators are available aftermarket. I found one for $140 (w/free shipping) for my '98 J150EXECD V6. They may have one for your motor as well.