electric mower rectifier

Last Aug. I posted a topic about an electric mower that had shorted out and was told that it was probably the rectifier and it would be inexpensive to replace. I called Sears since this is a Craftsman lawnmower and they say the rectifier is not a part that is bought separate from the motor.To get the part I have to buy the whole motor which is $200. Is there another place to buy this part?

 

Terry - I am going to move this thread to Small Engines, as that's really where it belongs. Check there for answers!

Lydia
DoItYourself.com

 

I hate to butt in but this is a typical Sears tactic. Consider the engine you are dealing with and look to other suppliers for the parts you need.

Tom: What are your thoughts?

Smokey

[This message has been edited by Smokey (edited January 27, 2000).]

 

Hi: Terry

I think Smokey hit the bulls eye on this one.
His advice is absolutely correct.

Check your yellow pages for the local electric motor repair dealer or shop. There any electric motor can either be fixed, rebuilt or replaced. Most often at a much lower cost then buying the exact same motor at Sears.

You shouldn't have any problem finding the part or parts your electric motor needs there. All else fails, a replacement motor can be found there or yours rebuilt.

Good Luck

 

I just got a broken Craftsman lawnmower with the identical problem. Here is the solution. The rectifier is a pretty generic part -- go to a parts company and ask for a full-wave bridge with 35 amps and at least 600 volts capacity. It should have 1/4 inch terminal lugs. Remove the old one from the motor - its in a protective cage that requires a nut on top to be removed. Write down the terminals of the rectifier and the wire colors very carefully. Note that the replacement unit could have a different terminal arrangement (AC versus + and -) You can test the unit with a VOM on ohms. Between two adjacent terminals, the meter should read high one way and low when the test leads are reversed. You most likely, like me, have one of the 4 internal diodes shorted.

Replacement parts are between $2.50 and 7.00 -- The red and Blue leads are the brake function that stops the blade when you let go of the switch onthe handle.