What is meant by a “leaky” rectifier?
The rectifier connects the stator to the battery directly, without going through switches or any other components. This connection is somewhat tenuous, that is, dangerous. It is supposed to permit current flow in one direction only — stator to battery, and not battery to stator. However, when one or more of the rectifier’s diodes short, the battery’s current can then reverse-flow into the stator, depleting the battery while the vehicle is parked. This is not all that unusual, and will result in chronic battery discharge while showing very little sign of charging system malfunction.
