12v FULL WAVE RECTIFIER

Not sure what wave you have- here is a general guideline.

Step 1: Check the number of stator wires

• If the engine has two wires coming from the stator, you may need to remove the flywheel cover to see them clearly.

Step 2: Check for a grounded wire

• If one of the stator wires is grounded to the engine case (either bolted directly to the case or tied into the ground circuit), the stator is typically half-wave.
• If both stator wires are isolated and neither is grounded to the case, the stator is typically full-wave.

Step 3: Confirm using a multimeter (recommended)

1. Set your multimeter to Ohms (Ω)
2. Touch one probe to the engine case (ground)
3. Touch the other probe to each stator wire, one at a time

Results:

• Continuity to ground on one wire → Half-wave stator
• No continuity to ground on either wire → Full-wave stator

Notes

• This method works for the vast majority of small engines.
• It is the easiest way to identify which type of rectifier is needed without disassembling the engine.
• Verifying stator type first can prevent charging issues and incorrect part selection.