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What have I done

wynjim55

wynjim55

Regular Contributor
Yesterday I was finalising the tilt/trim install on my 1978 Mariner 55 (Yamaha built twin cylinder) when I connected the battery to the incorrect leads. What might I have done? I haven't tried starting it yet, should I?
 
If it was a micro-second connection you may get by w/no problems or just a fried voltage regulator. See if it will start and check the voltage output w/a DVM.
 
Is a voltage regulator also called a rectifier? I just can't find a regulator amongst the info I have. Thanks for the input.
 
Is a voltage regulator also called a rectifier?
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Yes, the rectifier circuit converts the stator AC voltage to DC voltage and the regulator part of the circuit controls or regulates the maximum output voltage to a maximum of 14.8 VDC. Due to the low amperage of most outboards the two are combined into one throw away module. In belt/pulley driven alternators they are separate items due to the amperage that the diodes (rectifiers) handle. The regulator deal more w/voltage than amperage.
 
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Thanks again. I do have a spare spark box from an outboard I bought for parts. It would be nice to still have two working ones, it would even be nice to have one working one - I have no idea if the spare is any good.
 
Hey Brother, sorry to hear about your mis-hap. My motor has an in-line fuse on the power lead. Did you check to see if it took a hit for you? It could have saved your ignition system.
Also, I'd be interested to know what you found for a trim/tilt.
 
I did that on an older motor back in 85.It would turn the starter backwards and fried the regulator/rectfyer.
It would start and run but wouldn't charge the battery.
Good luck and post your results.J
 
There is an inline fuse and it took a massive hit, you could drive a Mack between what was left. It seems however that the CDI/spark box copped the hit too. After I swapped the CDI for my spare it still wouldn't fire on the key but I managed to start it with a short length of rope with a knot in the end wound around the flywheel. It's as if the flywheel was made to have a pull start fitted. All is well now but I am not sure if I tried enough to get it to run on the old spark box. Is there a way to test them?

After I fit some wheel bearings in the morning I'm off to the water.
 
...not sure if I tried enough to get it to run on the old spark box. Is there a way to test them?
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Reinstall it after you are sure the engine is running.
...I just can't remember how many volts the meter read.
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A min. of 12.5 to 13.0 VDC at idle to a max. of 14.8 VDC at WOT. Any lower than 12.5 VDC OR higher than 14.9 VDC and the regulator/rectifier took a hit. Check for AC voltage at the battery to see if the rectifiers were shorted.
 
Yeah that makes sense.

I'm off to the dam (lake) today so I'll have a look at it there. The battery has been on charge all night (trickle charge) so should be fine for the trip.

Thanks again guys, the input has been invaluable.
 
So after spending a week sorting out the tilt/trim installation, and creating and fixing this problem, on the way to get fuel for the boat I discovered that the trailer wheel bearings were noisy and I wasn't happy to tow the whole outfit 2 hours up the highway. Thinking they were off the shelf bearings for a Holden (GM) I was less than impressed to find that they were a spe******ed item to fit between Austin car stub axles and Holden hubs. So cutting a long story short we didn't get to the water and now I have to replace the axle/hubs/u-bolts/bearings/etc as they want $200 for each inner cone for the outer bearings - cheaper to replace the lot with standard parts.
 
...cheaper to replace the lot with standard parts.
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Amen to that. Don't you just enjoy s..t breaking down one item after the next. Go bet the "Don't Pass" line at a craps table. You are betting the shooter will roll a 7 (everyone loses but you) before they roll the "On" number again. With your luck you will be a big winner.
 
I don't laugh at my own mistakes very often but do contribute to "The New World Dictionary" by creating new 4-6-8-10-12 letter expletives. But, by the time I come to my senses I can't remember all of them and then begin to laugh at my dumbassity. :(
 
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