Knackered my rectifier????

Mike B · 20 June 2006, 14:25

Whilst out last weekend I suddenly realised that I had lost all electrical power. I managed to get the VHF and the plotter to restart but every few seconds they kept shutting down.

I wasn't too paniced as I had the handheld GPS and VHF. But it was a bit concerning, as it appeared to be intermitent I guessed it must be a dodgy connection somewhere and as it was effecting everything my first port of call was the main power switch and sure enough the red plastic key had been knocked and was not holding the switch on.

I'm going to have to move the switch as it is too easy to get knocked at the moment.

Now as the engine was running whilst this happened am I likely to have damaged the rectifier or other parts of the charging system as it wasn't under load?

How can I check this? Can I use the voltage reading on the plotter? ie if this increases when the engine is running is everything ok?

Cheers

Mike

JK - just realised this should probably be in the Engine or Electronics forum. Sorry.

Biggles · 20 June 2006, 15:57

Mike,

I don't think so. I had the same problem as you. My right knee used to keep turning off the master switch. In the end I just had to move it. Its inside the consol out of the way. Only problem now is that I have to remember to turn it off if I leave it for any length of time.

Hope this helps.

Matt · 20 June 2006, 18:11

On just a rectifier based charging circuit you should be fine.
If it's regulated, maybe.

Mike B · 21 June 2006, 10:23

Thanks guys - fingers crossed.

Will keep and eye on the state of the battery.

Mike

Biggles · 21 June 2006, 15:51

Mike just read your message again. Yes you can use the plotter Voltage to show if you rectifier is blown. If the Plotter shows over 12v then you must be getting a charge and therefore your rectifier won't be blown.

Mike B · 21 June 2006, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biggles

Mike just read your message again. Yes you can use the plotter Voltage to show if you rectifier is blown. If the Plotter shows over 12v then you must be getting a charge and therefore your rectifier won't be blown.

Thanks again!

Mike