Will 1970 Merc 500 run without the rectifier?

ryerman

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2007
Messages
22
I have just picked up a 1970 Mercury 500 50 hp . Can I run it without the rectifier? I believe the rectifier just switches voltage from AC to DC for battery charging? If my rectifier is bad, will it have an effect on the engine operation other than not charging the battery? Do I leave it wired in or can I remove it? Can I rope start the 500 without a battery hook up?
 

merc850

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Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
2,046
Re: Will 1970 Merc 500 run without the rectifier?

Yes you can pull start it but you'll still need a battery, and when the battery runs down you risk damaging the ignition components and stranding yourself somewhere. Here's how to save the stator from destruction
alternator-note2.jpg your wires will have terminal ends
not knife disconnects.
 

ryerman

Cadet
Joined
Oct 21, 2007
Messages
22
Re: Will 1970 Merc 500 run without the rectifier?

Thanks. Lot's of good information. Awesome.
I've got a question about the switchbox, but I'll post that in a new thread.
 
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