voltage regulator/rectifier

[heybaylor]

some of the old mercs have both a voltage regulator , and a rectifier...<br />some do not have a seperate regulator..<br />question is ..is the regulator built in to the rectifier on some models , and if so ..why cant you do away with the seperate one ...and use it on older merc's..<br />the rectifier for mine is $ 40.00 <br />But the seperate voltage reg is $150.00..<br />seems a little steep when other brands use a $20-40 dollar regulator

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: voltage regulator/rectifier

There are small square black rectifiers. Those are plastic. The voltage regulator/rectifiers are potted in aluminum. You can physically substitute one for the other. But regulators are there to keep from cooking the battery dry. Most older inlines came with rectifiers alone because the alternator output isn't great. On newer models, the alternators put out much more juice and that needs to be tamed-down with a regulator. That came about by more and more demand from electrical stuff going into boats over the years. Back in the 60s and 70s you didn't have much more than lights, horn, and maybe a small bilge pump.<br /><br />By far the most common cause for rectifier failures is crossed, loose, or corroded battery connections. Probably over 90%.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: voltage regulator/rectifier

Depending on the motor and year, you can substitute a full-wave bridge rectifier from Radio Shack, $3.50, for the original one. Some small (10-20 HP) older (late 70's) Mercs also used a regulator with no rectifier for a lighting only circuit: 12 volt AC. Those same motors, when set up for charging, did not use a regulator with the rectifier. The same stator was used on both, and was called a "lighting stator" in the parts lists.

 

[heybaylor]

Re: voltage regulator/rectifier

Problem solved. Rapair/CDI has a combo unit ..<br />replaces the 40 dollar rectifier,and the 150 buck voltage reg.<br /><br />It cost 108.00 and bolts in place of the old regulator....a bit of a savings.<br /><br />WillieB<br />Yeah my first boat had a brand new 1961 50 merc.<br />didnt even have a charging system..<br />was electric start , and you just charged the battery at home ..ran all day ..