Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

[gw204]

I was wondering what the best way to go about adding a voltage regulator to an unregulated 1985 Mercury 150 Black Max? I'm sporadically charging 16.5 V+ and my new Furuno fish finder doesn't like it. I've been told that 16.5 V+ is normal and that it is also too high. I replaced the rectifier and got the same results. Anything else I should look at before proceeding w/a regulator. All battery cables are NEW and terminals are CLEAN!<br /><br />Please help. I feel like an idiot running around with all my lights on in the middle of the day!!!<br /><br />Brian

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

gw, the best way is to go to a merc dealer, tell him your prob, and ask if he could order the regulator that they used on the later 150 xr2's...and dont cry too loudly when he tells you how much...

 

[russthemuss]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

im probably way off but, the rectifier convets ac to dc and the regulator "regulates" the amount of charge the batery recieves, not the voltage. You should be able to measure the current flowing to the battery with a ameter in line, then take the 16.5V divide it by the amps and the result is the resisitance you will need (will also have to be able to take the current) Someone else will know im sure.May be a cheaper alternative?

 

[gw204]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

ODDD1, I saw on Merc's parts express site that they offer a voltage regulator kit for unregulated outboards for like $150. I haven't called the local dealer yet, so how does that compare to a new regulator for the 150 XR2.<br /><br />And don't worry...I'm not ashamed to cry

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

gw, i believe you really need to keep your voltage no higher than 15.5v at the most. i would think the avg regulator cutoff is @ 14.5v. lots of electrical devices are sensitive to high voltages. i didn't realize some not-so-old boat motors don't have regulators. my 1970 70hp chrysler had one...

 

[gw204]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

Ok, to throw some more info into the mix. I called a local Merc. shop to inquire about adding the regulator and was told that my stator is going bad. The mechanic kept referring to amps instead of volts. It is my understanding that amps is just the amount of "umph" with which the voltage flows. Amps really do not affect the voltage level. If that's correct, amps shouldn't have anything to do with my problem. I think there is a procedure for testing the stator in my Clymer manual. I'll try to get to that tonight and post my results.

 

[DJ]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

gw204,<br /><br />If you relate electricity to water, the rules apply as follows:<br /><br />Amps=the amount of electricity or water going through the line.<br /><br />Volts=the pressure pushing the electricity or water.<br /><br />Resistance=resistance to flow, a restiction in the line.<br /><br />Most electronics are sensitive to the volts. Too much amperage would blow a fuse and the electronics do not draw enough amps to blow a fuse. Fuses are immune to voltage.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

good info djohns!

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

GW, you merc shop is trying to sell you a stator you dont need....an open stator winding = no current flow,no increase in voltage....a partially shorted or completely shorted stator=reduced windings in the magnetic feild,less current output and lower charging voltages...so complete bullcrap all the way around....$150 is in the ballpark if I remember correctly...

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

If you or a friend are slightly electronically inclined, you could put a small voltage regulator together for less than $15. Electronic supply places (Radio Shack and others) sell adjustable and fixed voltage regulators for a few dollars. You would need the regulator IC, resistor(s) for setting the adjustable type, a small heat sink, a plastic project box to house the mess, and a fuse. You would need to determine which devices need regulated power, add up their load in amps and buy an appropriate size regulator. Most stuff on boats (depth finder, GPS, LORAN) don't draw much power. I would guess for most applications, an 2 or 3 A regulated supply would be fine.<br />Jim

 

[gw204]

Re: Adding voltage regulator to an unregulated outboard

What about a $20 voltage regulator for a car? Is it possible to make that work?