A couple electrical questions

[Idajack]

I have a 1988 four winns freedom 160 with the 3.0.
The previous owner had a new alternator installed maybe 30 hours ago and it seems to be charging well.
The on dash voltmeter doesn't work at all and I would like direction on what would be a direct replacement for the four winns but the greater issue seems to be either over charging or a bad ground.
I installed a stereo and fish finder using existing wiring and they both work great at idle but as soon as I throttle up off idle at all they both shut down. I was assuming the alternator was overcharging so I put a multi meter on it and at idle there is around 14.2v and off idle it increases to 14.5-14.6 v which seems a tad high but not too much so. In reading this seems in line with what I want to see at the battery so I'm starting to question if it is a ground issue maybe or if it may have something to do with the ammeter not working.
Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[gm280]

Well first of all, the voltage isn't out of normal for such a setup. But two things come to mind. If your amp meter isn't working then something is allowing the current through. Because amp meters are in series with the supply to everything else. So I would look at that issue first. Second, each accessory has its own voltage regulator circuit inside with their circuitry and therefore no need to worry. Most any type volt meter will work with your replacement and just locate one that you like or matches the others and replace it. That meter is simply paralleled to the supply power and therefore won't effect the operation if it were to go out. So any meter that fits your likes will work. But I would certainly fix the amp meter first. And take the time to go over every connection from the battery(ies) to every connection and clean them to shiny clean metal and reconnect. And make sure you do the ground wires as well. Because so many problems are fixed doing that. They may look good, but corrosion happens and causes so many electrical problems. It takes a little time but so well worth it.

 

[bruceb58]

You sure you have an ampmeter? Have a picture of it?

 

[Silvertip]

1988 boat likely does not have an ammeter but rather a voltmeter and highly unlikely it has both.