Melted rectifier

[Landinlunkers]

Today, while I was on the lake, the rectifier on my 1995 mariner 60 horse melted. Is this an easy fix, or a symtom of a larger problem? What would cause this to happen?

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: Melted rectifier

I had a 1994 Mariner 125 that melted the rectifier. I was told that it was probably because I ran the engine while also running the onboard battery charger (it's on a houseboat). I would have it looked at, our rec cost over a hundred bucks and it wasn't easy to change since the boat can't be lifted or taken out of the water easily. On a bass boat it can, just have it inspected by a pro, that way you'll only have to do it once.<br /><br />Someone else may be able to give better advice, that's all I can give ya.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Melted rectifier

By far, the leading causes of such failures start at the batttery. Voltage spikes caused by loose and/or corroded battery connections, connecting the cables backwards, and disconnecting while the motor is running. That can happen when a battery switch is moved while the motor is running. Basically current that was on it's way to the battery suddenly loses the connection. The voltage that has already been made has to go somewhere. It usually finds it's way out by shorting out diodes in the regulator.

 

[Motor Boater Bill]

Re: Melted rectifier

On some motors you can replace the rectifier with a Radio Shack rectifier for around $4. Not sure if this will work on yours but it's worth looking into.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Melted rectifier

As mentioned, voltage spikes probably did you in because the reverse voltage ratings on those rectifers is probably only 50v. As mentioned, spikes from another charging source, spikes from circuit interruptions, or DC offset voltages from other power sources could do them in.<br /><br />Mark