Voltage Gauge Mystery

[kd4uga]

I am having problems with my voltage gauge on a 2000 Chaparral 200 SSE with the 4.3GL PEFS. It reads correctly with the key turned on with the engine off. When I crank the engine, the needle pegs. I have checked with a volt meter and the voltage is 13-14 VDC (don't remember exactly) with the engine running. I checked all connections and they are tight with no visible corrosion. So, is the gauge bad or is there something else I should check? Thanks in advance for any help or opinions.

Engine - 4.3GL PEFS (4012004849), Outdrive - SX-M 1 79 (4112094763), Transom - SX-MLT (4111633176)

 

[gm280]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I am having problems with my voltage gauge on a 2000 Chaparral 200 SSE with the 4.3GL PEFS. It reads correctly with the key turned on with the engine off. When I crank the engine, the needle pegs. I have checked with a volt meter and the voltage is 13-14 VDC (don't remember exactly) with the engine running. I checked all connections and they are tight with no visible corrosion. So, is the gauge bad or is there something else I should check? Thanks in advance for any help or opinions.

Engine - 4.3GL PEFS (4012004849), Outdrive - SX-M 1 79 (4112094763), Transom - SX-MLT (4111633176)

I think your problem could be that your regulator/rectifier could be shorted or at least a portion of it. That allows AC voltage to go to your meter and that is a higher voltage amount then if it was rectified... Just my opinion, but I'd check the voltage with both a DC and AC volt meter. You may be very surprised... I easily could be wrong though... Check it.

 

[kd4uga]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I checked voltages again and did find AC. Here is what I have.
Everything off with just battery - 12.84 VDC
Engine running measured at voltage gauge - 13.88 VDC, 30.6 VAC

The alternator is a 65A Volvo Penta 386071, made by Mando (Mando #AC 165618). So, does the AC mean I have an issue with the rectifier? I'm guessing that thing is in the alternator. Is that something I can repair or do I need to have it rebuilt?

 

[Don S]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I don't think you have a problem with your alternator, or you would be having problems while running too, not just starting. You will always get some kind of a reading when reading DC on the AC scale when the engine is running.

Do any of your other gauges act strange?

 

[Don S]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

An easy test would be to remove the alternator belt and crank the engine and see if the gauge still pegs out.
If it doesn't, then take your alternator to your local starter/alternator/electric motor shop hand have them check it out.

 

[kd4uga]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

The trim gauge is acting strange but I thought maybe the trim sensor was bad (separate thread). The voltage gauge issue predates the trim problem. I had some work done by the dealer and the trim gauge hasn't worked right since. I will try running without the alternator. Can I just pull the wires off the back rather than take off the belt? THANKS!

 

[Don S]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

If it's easier to get too sure. Just don't let the wires touch ground. The orange is not fused.

 

[kd4uga]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I pulled the belt. Same result, gauge pegged. That surprised me. So, I shut it off and turned the key to the on position and the gauge pegged again with the engine off. Never mind that I said in my original post that it read correctly with the key on and engine off. Sometimes I wonder about myself! I guess the gauge must be bad. How will I ever find a matching gauge?

 

[Don S]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

Contact a Chaparral dealer.

 

[kd4uga]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

Thanks Don for all the help!

 

[vwbugman69]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

Another good option is to check out Boat Gauges, OEM Boat Gauges, OEM Marine Gauges | Great Lakes Skipper.

They have some old OEM gauges.

 

[glenn property of pam]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I have to ask just in case you removed battery/batteries over the winter. If theres more than one battery then you did reconnect them correctly?

 

[kd4uga]

Re: Voltage Gauge Mystery

I have to ask just in case you removed battery/batteries over the winter. If theres more than one battery then you did reconnect them correctly?

The gauge issue is a carry over problem from last year. As for the batteries, money is tight and I am down to just one. Luckily, it is only 1 year old! So, I feel good that everything is connected properly. I got the part number off the gauge and found one online for a reasonable price.


Thanks to all for the help!