So I disconnected the battery cables while running.... damage control time.

[brandonv]

This a 1990 120 L-Drive Force.

Not knowing this was an unregulated style power system I removed the battery cables from the running motor. Known fatalities are my stereo and apparently my power guage on the dash. The head unit went up in smoke and the volts now read at 16+ (with the key on and motor not running) at the dash as where it used to 13.5 - 14.

I've tested the rectifier and it appears okay. On the negative pole it read 3.60 and 3.61 to each AC and on the positive it read 3.00 and 3.90, while no reading was apparent while reversing polarity. This is what I'm wanting, correct?

What else is downstream from the stator that could've fried that I should be testing?

Thanks.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: So I disconnected the battery cables while running.... damage control time.

Question: Did the stereo have a fuse and if so, did the fuse blow, or according to Murphy's Law, did the 200 dollar stereo burn out to protect the 10 cent fuse?

If the L drive is the same as the outboards, there are discrete windings for ignition power and battery charging so your ignition system may be ok. However, if you have melted insulation on the stator windings or actually burned out the charging windings, there is no choice but to replace the stator. Smell it to see if there is a burnt odor.

Try running the engine with all electrical devices disconnected and a battery that needs charging. See what voltage the stator is actually putting into the battery. If it is still charging, you may be lucky and stator and rectifier may be ok.

 

[brandonv]

Re: So I disconnected the battery cables while running.... damage control time.

Thanks Frank!

To answer your question... Yes, it does have a 10A fuse and its still in perfect working order. Damn that Murphy guy!!!

Another big thanks for the advice. I'll check out the stator and see how she looks. The motor still ran after incident, so I'll take that as a good sign.

 

[kentuckyplow]

Re: So I disconnected the battery cables while running.... damage control time.

A fuse only limits current, not voltage.