What does the rectifier do?

Terry G.

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 6, 2001
Messages
37
I have a 1983 50 HP Mercury (4cylinders). The tach has never worked right. I have come to the conclusion the rectifier is bad. ( I used an ohm meter and my service manual procedures). Besides making the tach work, what else does the rectifier do?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Terry G.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: What does the rectifier do?

Terry.... A rectifier is an essential component that converts AC electrical power to DC electrical power. Without it, it would be impossible for an alternator (AC Power) to charge a battery.
 

Terry G.

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Oct 6, 2001
Messages
37
Re: What does the rectifier do?

Thanks. I put a new one on it and it fixed my tach. I have a 12/24 trolling motor and start my motor off one of the batteries. I keep it charged with a charger so I guess that's why I never had any problems with a dead battery.<br /><br />tg
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: What does the rectifier do?

Terry..... Glad to hear that you cured your problem. Keep in mind that a rectifier will absolutely not tolerate reverse polarity. If a battery or charger is hooked up backwards, even for a second, that will destroy a rectifier.
 
Top