Too many VOLTS

[JLFLYNN]

I have a 1986 115 6 cycl. Volts read 12 when idle. As I increase speed the volts go up. At full speed the volts read 15.5 - 16. I have also noticed the fluid in my battery is running low. If I hit the power trim when the volts are up to 15.5, they go down to 12 and than go right back up to 15.5 - 16. Is my voltage regulator shot? How can I check if my voltage regulator is working right? Is there any immediate danger, is my battery going to explode? How much does a new voltage regulator cost?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Too many VOLTS

voltage regulator (rectifier) is $35.<br />I would deff. start there.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[ronmold]

Re: Too many VOLTS

don't think that motor had a regulator, just a rectifier which converts the AC to DC. Was it charging properly before? I replaced my stator with an aftermarket unit and blew my regulator on a 175. The new stator was 16A. the old was 9A. got a unit from Rapair.com #194-5279<br />for $110 which replaced my rectifier and regulator. I think this is for a 3L. motor but will work on any motor with an AC stator output.<br />now I have a perfect 13.8v at any speed.

 

[JLFLYNN]

Re: Too many VOLTS

OK - here is the update......went out on boat last night and ran it pretty hard for about a half hour - 3rd quarter speed, full speed etc. Went back to the dock - turned engine off, looked at the battery and I heard a hissing sound. What is going on?? Is my battery going to blow up? This has to be a V. reg problem. Is there a way a can test the regulator or is this just a clear example of when a rectifier goes bad?

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Too many VOLTS

Are you using a Deep Cycle marine battery or are you using an automotive battery?<br /><br />TMD

 

[dilligafda]

Re: Too many VOLTS

I posted this a while back, hope it helps!<br /><br />That would be normal voltage if there is no regulator on the system. In the early years of boating (before electronic locators, ect.) the belief was that there was no reason to add an expensive regulator to the electrical system and that the engine would not be run long enough to create an issue with charging. With most modern electronics, overcharging can lead to the unit cutting itself out to protect from the high voltage. You can tell if you have a regulator/rectifier or a rectifier only by looking at the wires coming from the stator. If the have 2 yellow leads going to a terminal block and one red wire out, that is a rectified system (no regulator). There is a regulator kit available for this system, contact your local dealer for part numbers and pricing.