175 FastStrike- Electrical Fire? (long post)

[Walstib]

93' 175 FastStrike, Model: VJ175 GLETG.
Fishing a tournament yesterday, started motor at the ramp just fine. Waiting on partner and the tach stareted jumping and the motor died, started right back. It died two or three more times while waiting, but started back fine.
Decided to run it outside the buoys befor blast off and making 20 mile run. Boat came up on plane and died, couldn't get it started back untill partner pumped up the bulb. up on plane and ran fine. Got inside the buoys, off plane, and it died again. This time it gave a muffled backfire sound and a strange smell. Partner got on back deck to pump it up again and felt the cowling. It was hot,when I took the cowling off there was a 1 - 2' flame coming out of the ignition cover.
Turned off the main power, got the extingusher, put fire out. Started unhooking battery and someone yelled ity was burning again. Long story short, I went through 3 extingushers and it was still burning. Finally took cowling and dumped water on it.
Talked to insurance company, they said get estimates and they would cover it. My questions are: 1) What could have caused this? 2) Do you think it will be totaled? 3) Besides the regulator, and pack what all will need replaced? 4)has anyone seen this before?
Thanks for any input and I would encourage everyone to carry more than one extingusher, maybe even 3, you just neve know.

[ChampioNman]

Yep Voltage regulator/rectifier went out. That is why there are no more purple wires on them. You'll need new reg/rectifier, power pack and probably new wiring harness. Once all of the extinguishing chemicals have been cleaned you and your tech will have a better idea of the damage.

[Walstib]

Thank you ChampioNman. So it sounds like it is a very fixable problem and wont be totaled. That is a relief.
Also, could a bad regulator/ rectifier have caused me to loose some power? The last month or so I had loast some power/ speed.
I find this board to be the most helpful that there is.

[ChampioNman]

Could be, I really can't say 100%, I'll bet once you get your electrical system fixed you will be suprised too. Tell your tech you want a new EET. That is the eye for the OIS system. Might as well go all the way, you know it could have been a whole lot worse.

[pickupman66]

champ,

Can that purple wire be snipped off and done away with?