stupid alternator question???

[strippingguards]

This may sound very stupid to most of you out there but I once heard that there are no stupid questions so here goes nothing...<br />1988 Merc 135 v6<br />I thought that the alternator in the engine charges the batteries while the engine is running. My book for this engine doesn't say anything about an alternator but instead uses words like stator and rectifier. Are these essentially the same or doing the same thing as the alternator? and which wire(s) need to be connected to the batteries (from the engine) in order to charge them while running? Thanks.

 

[oldboat1]

Re: stupid alternator question???

I remember asking my dad what a mortgage was. If the term "loan" had been used, I would have known what it meant.<br /><br />I think it's correct to say that the stator is essentially the alternator on an outboard -- although maybe it would be a bit more like the windings in a car alternator. Technicians can correct me, but the shaft and flywheel of the outboard, with the stator in place, actually functions as a big alternator.<br /><br />The alternator produces AC current, which the rectifier converts to DC for use in charging the battery. The main cables of the wiring harness (the large red[+] and black[-]leads) are the conduits -- no additional connections. Don't run the motor without the battery connected or you will damage the charging system.<br /><br />hope this helps a little.

 

[strippingguards]

Re: stupid alternator question???

Thanks for the input. Can anyone else confirm this answer to my question? I don't know if I trust a guy who didn't know a mortgage was a loan. Ha, ha, ha... thanks oldboat1!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: stupid alternator question???

Clear and consise, old boat one....

 

[Boatist]

Re: stupid alternator question???

I am not sure if a 135 V6 is a stern drive or outboard but my guess is outboard. an alternator has 3 or 4 basic parts. The stator - a winding within the alternator that turns when the engine is running. The field - a winding around the stator that does not turn but produces a magnetic field. The Rectifier - Converts the AC from the stator to dc to charge the battery. A voltage regulator - controls the current to the field winding so you can charge fast and then taper off so you do not over charge. There is usually a big red wire connected and insulated that goes to the battery + side for charging. Some older stern drives have another wire that comes from the voltage regulator and connects to the field winding. Newer one often have the voltage regulator built in to alternator. Hope this makes some sense.

 

[manny-c]

Re: stupid alternator question???

well dougie, you can take to the bank and pay your mortgage with what the first person said to you..he is 100% correct...manny