Chrysler Sailor Problems

[jcollinsia]

Wednesday I decided to skip out of work early and hit the water for some late afternoon crappie. About 5 minutes after I started my motor it died on me. I double checked my gas lines to make sure they were going the right way (I've done that recently) and everything looked good. I made sure it was in neutral and tried hitting the electric start and nothing, not even a click. So I took off the cowling, broke out the cable and tried to pull-start it and again...nothing. I noticed that the "reset switch" (see pic) was popped out and decided to push it. That was apparently a dumb move. As soon as I did that I heard a pop and saw a small flame shoot from a piece in the wiring. Scared the crap out of me!!!

Does anybody know what this part is? I've downloaded multiple shop manuals that were supposed to be for my motor but really arent. It's an older Chrysler 10hp "Sailor". Below are some pics for reference with the piece that caught fire outlined. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys.

 

[tater76]

Re: Chrysler Sailor Problems

Looks like a rectifier to me?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Chrysler Sailor Problems

That's a rectifiet and there is a piece chipped out of it. If you saw the sparks at the rectifier, there is an excellent indication that it has a dead short in it. You can replace it with a radio Shack standard rectifier OR an early Force rectifier. If you take it to a Mercury dealer, they will know what it is. You might even find one here at iboats store for an 85-125 Force around 1988 through 1994.

The reset you pushed is a circuit breaker for the whole electrical system.

 

[jcollinsia]

Re: Chrysler Sailor Problems

Thanks a lot for the help Frank. I think I might try the Radio Shack rectifier first due to the super low price and my local store has it in stock. I've searched the forums and other sites but does anyone know if there is some sort of "dummy's guide" to using a RS rectifier? I'm a tech geek but I dont know squat about electrical. This one should work for me, right?
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2062584

 

[jcollinsia]

Re: Chrysler Sailor Problems

I stopped into the local Radio Shack and they happened to have the right rectifier on hand so I figured what the heck & gave it a try. Holy cow! That was the easiest repair that I've ever done. It's almost a direct swap for my OEM rectifier! Changed it out and she started right up and runs smooth. I still need to check the power to make sure it's all in order but so far so good. I'll post some pics tomorrow.