would it be a problem to run the 1991 40hp Evinrude until I can replace the rectifier if it is bad?? I know this helps to recharge the battery but wondering if it really does that much of a recharge I do know that it also sends a sig. to the Tach.
The tack was acting up bouncing all over the place but now seems to have settled down. I put a volt meter at the battery and did not notice a increase voltage at idle or when I reved the motor up to around 1500-1800 RPMs. Would it need more RPMs to make a showing on the meter?? I will not increase the RPMs unless I can put it in the lake for a higher RPM test.
This motor has the rectifier only, NOT the Rectifier/Regulator
Tom

TTT

I dont know about that particular year model...but you DO know that a rectifier changes AC to DC, right? It's nothing more than 4 diodes. ( 2, if it's a cheapie)

Best way to test it is with a voltmeter (as you are wanting to do), with the engine cranked, hook it up to the battery and see if it is charging. A full charged battery is 12.6 V. (2.1V. per cell).

With the engine running, the rectifier should be sending approx. 13 to 13.5 v. If voltage isn't coming up, it probably is bad. Tach check is also correct, if the tach is erratic, then the rectifier is probably going bad.

The rectifier has 3 main purposes, to change A.C. voltage to D.C. voltage, sends tack signal and charges battery.

Thanks for the replys
But will it cause damage to anything to use the boat until I can get it repaired?? I will do the replace myself as it looks to be fairly easy.
Tom H