Expert: Everett Peacock - 4/26/2008

Question
I have a 1987 Mariner 45 hrp 4 cyl outboard.  Runs like a top until recently it started putting 16 volts to the console.  I've replace one rectifier, now on #2. I think I cinched down too hard on the nuts and may have cracked my newest one as my tach quit working and my volt meter at the console is reading only 12 volts at full throttle.  No alternator charge showing up to the console.
I had a two batter Perko situation and it was not  wired right (one ground was floating free).  So I started over, got rid of the Perko, just have two independent batteriers (house and starter).  I'm on day three of testing and re-testing.  I thought I had it with this last rectifier, but I heard something snap at the dock when I was changing it in.
Does it sound like I blew another rectifier by putting too much muscle in it?
Would that in fact account for the sudden no tach?
and only 12 volts showing to the console under full throttle?
There is no voltage regulator on this model (that I can find).  STator and rectifier.
Do you have a reference to standard recifier wiring hookups?

thanks for any help (previous AllExperts expert).
Del

Answer
sounds like it.  ok the rectifer get an A/C voltage from the stator...the rectifer changes ac to dc by shorting it out on each voltage wave thus getting a dc voltage.....the tach works off of the rectifer..one side of the yellow wires...from the stator...It sounds like you need another..