96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

[xstoyz]

I noticed recently that my voltage gauge is sometimes pegged at over 16 volts. I confirmed this reading with the voltage gauge on the fishfinder also. It will reach 16.7 volts sometimes. I know this cant be good for the battery. It does it only when the engine is funning faster that idle. Mostly atleast 3000rpm or more. Sometime is I reduce the throttle and put it in neutral and wait for the volts to drop back to 12-13. Then put it back in gear, it will be OK for a while.


I have searched and some say it is not that bad, but I know it isnt right and everything I know about automotive electrical systems says that 16+ volts is way too high and will damage something.

Any help would be great.

Ed

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

That's the nature of the beast. It has no regulator, just a rectifier so what ever the stator is putting out goes to the battery. So, you need to check battery fluid level frequently. If it really bothers you try going to the electronics forum and see if someone there knows of a regulator that will work with that alternator (20 pole).

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

My Seloc manual states (on page 5-47) that the '96 120HP IS regulated. If that's the case, then you need to replace your rectifier/regulator. The regulator portion has failed.

If your unit has wires protruding from epoxy potting or has heat sink fins, then it is a rectifier/regulator. If it is just a 'brick' with four lugs sticking out the top, perpendicular to the mounting surface, then it's a rectifier only.

ANY rectifier/regulator will work with a 20 pole, as long as it has only 2 AC inputs and it can handle the max output current (14A in your case) required.

Good luck.

 

[xstoyz]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

QuadManiac,

Thank you for the responce. Your diagnosis was right on. I was able to locate a new Voltage Regulator online, I installed it and all is back to normal.

If you're ever in New England, I owe ya a beer.

 

[QuadManiac]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

Glad I could help you as I have been helped by others. I wish I had discovered forums like this years ago!

 

[yfz450guy]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

will that rec/reg work on my 88 125hp?

 

[bertthedefender]

Re: 96 Force 120 Overcharging 16 + Volts

I'm having a similar problem with my 1991 70hp motor. I just replaced the stator and the regulator with brand new Rapair/CDI components, and I get over 16v at the battery when opening the throttle a little (test tank only, not been on the water yet).

The parts dealer said it was probably because I was using a (new) 565CCA automotive battery and I should be using a deep-cycle one. But since I don't have any accessories (other than a small bilge pump and equally small radio) I didn't think a deep cycle battery would be necessary.

It sounds like my regulator is faulty too - its a brand new part so hopefully i'll get an exchange.

I'm still waiting for Rapair tech support to get back to me just to confirm...