Voltage regulator?

java230

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Jul 18, 2013
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I have a 82 40 2 stroke, recently added my gps/fish finder that has a voltage gauge. At WOT I'm making excess of 16 volts. Do these motors have a voltage regulator or anything like that?

Sorry I'm new to larger outboards.

Thanks
 

Texasmark

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Dec 20, 2005
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Re: Voltage regulator?

You just told us it doesn't. That's what unregulated outputs run. On regulated it would be down around 14.5 with a pretty full charge on the battery and midrange to upper rpms.

Mark
 

java230

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Re: Voltage regulator?

You just told us it doesn't. That's what unregulated outputs run. On regulated it would be down around 14.5 with a pretty full charge on the battery and midrange to upper rpms.

Mark

Ha I guess your right. Maybe the question should have been is it Ok to be putting that much to the battery then.

Thanks for the help!
 

Dave1027

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Re: Voltage regulator?

Ha I guess your right. Maybe the question should have been is it Ok to be putting that much to the battery then.

Thanks for the help!
Like I posted in another thread, the battery is the regulator. Your question is a common one. It's normal to see 16 volts while cruising. Won't hurt the battery but it does cook off some water so you should check and top off the cells regularly.
 

java230

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Re: Voltage regulator?

Like I posted in another thread, the battery is the regulator. Your question is a common one. It's normal to see 16 volts while cruising. Won't hurt the battery but it does cook off some water so you should check and top off the cells regularly.

Thanks that's the advice I needed. I'll keep an eye on the levels.
 

Texasmark

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Re: Voltage regulator?

Thanks that's the advice I needed. I'll keep an eye on the levels.

That's one of the advantages of NOT having a sealed battery. Course I don't know how sealed batteries cope with overcharging. I know there are differences in the design and porting to prevent fluid loss under any/most charging conditions. Other thing is you can just feel the side of the battery. If it's over charging it will be warm to hot depending. Warm usually OK after a long run.

Unregulated supplies and lead acid batteries have been around for decades by the millions. They survive. Go and have fun.

Mark
 

smittylv1

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Mar 15, 2013
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Re: Voltage regulator?

16 VDC is OK as long as it is not a GEL or AGM type battery....they should be at 14.5 VDC
 

oldman570

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Mar 25, 2011
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Re: Voltage regulator?

The only drawback to the high voltage is that some of the new electronic accessories will not take that high voltage, and will shutdown or damage can be done. If you would like to get the voltage back down to the 14.5 volts, take a look at the CDI website as they make new rectifier/regulator units that replaces the standard Merc ones. As far as I have found, they are the only one that makes ones for a 9 amp stator. Ones for the 16 amp can be bought on Ebay and other sites fairly cheap. JMO
Oldman570
 

minuteman62-64

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Re: Voltage regulator?

If you have the specs. for your gps/fishfinder, take a look at the allowable voltage and see if you have a problem. Mine (both, two separate units) indicate they will take up to about 20 volts.
 

java230

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Jul 18, 2013
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Re: Voltage regulator?

If you have the specs. for your gps/fishfinder, take a look at the allowable voltage and see if you have a problem. Mine (both, two separate units) indicate they will take up to about 20 volts.

says 10-17, so its just tickling the upper end, but i think it will be ok.
 
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