electrical probs

[scotgoplen]

i have a60 hp 1990 johnson my tach used to work about half the time now it doesnt at all.and about the same time my trim gauge and volt gauge quit too,where do i start looking i dont know where to start or even what all the diff color wires go to. tks scott

 

[OBJ]

Re: electrical probs

It would sound right off like the rectifier has gone south or the stator....most likely rectifier. Check the leads on the rectifier for being hot. If you got a meter, the rectifier can be tested real easy.<br /><br />Put the red led to the red wire on the rect and then touch the other wires with the black. Then reverse the process. If the meter reads both ways, the rect is bad. The meter should only read one way. Remove the rect leads from the terminal strip before doing the test.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: electrical probs

You also have to do this forward-reverse test with all leads to the rectifier metal case.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: electrical probs

Although a rectifier test is in order for the tach problem, I feel the other gauge problems are contributing to this problem. It sounds like 12V or ground has been dropped from the gauges which would account for all of them being dead. Check that first. If those gauges come back to life and the tach does not, then the rectifier is suspect.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: electrical probs

By the way, the rectifiery test is done with an ohm meter, not a voltmeter.

 

[scotgoplen]

Re: electrical probs

ill say one thing there is lots of knowledge on here and i appreciate every time someone helps me!but i havent a clue what you are talking about with the rectifier stuff.what is it and where is it? I also had my vro bypassed and they unplugged the harness from it would that bother? tks

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: electrical probs

If you are going to do your own work you really need a manual for your motor. It will pay for itself the first time you fix a problem with it.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: electrical probs

The rectifier (actually a rectifier/regulator combination) is part of the charging system. As the flywheel spins, magnets in it spin past coils that generates an AC current. The rectifier converts that AC current to DC. The regulator maintains the output of the charging system to a safe level to prevent overcharging of the battery. The tach gets is signal from the rectifier. One of the indicators of a charging system problem is when the tach quits working. Thats why I told you to measure the voltage at the battery with the engine running. If its more than 12.6 volts at 1500 - 2000 RPM the charging system is working. If its 12.6 volts or less the charing system is not working. Since other gauges are not working, I don't think its a rectifier/regulator problem. It think you have some loose wires on your gauges or a bad ground. If you don't understand basic wiring, you'll need outside help to fix this.