Charge controller instead of regulator?

[Moody Blue]

I've had the common problem of over voltage charging with my 1971 Merc 800. With a fully charged battery, the alternator is putting out 17V. If I run the battery down, the charge voltage will stay around 14V until the battery charges then it jumps to 17V.

I've looked into installing an aftermarket regulator but they are quite expensive. Recently came across a charge controller used for solar panel battery charging systems. They prevent overcharging of batteries when charging using solar panels. The one I was looking at was rated at 12A, more than the 9A output of my stator.

The cost was less than $40 and I don't see why it wouldn't work just fine. Thoughts or comments are welcome.

 

[Lyle29464]

Re: Charge controller instead of regulator?

If your new part is designed for pure DC it may not like the pulsating DC from the stater.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Charge controller instead of regulator?

That's a good thought. It would be installed after the rectifier which I believe is a half wave type. Wonder how the charge controller would react.