voltmeter shows 18 vdc when running.

[wajajaja02]

this seems to be too high , should'nt the regulator cut that down?

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: voltmeter shows 18 vdc when running.

What motor? Not all of them have regulators.

 

[wajajaja02]

Re: voltmeter shows 18 vdc when running.

85 4 cyl merc. / io

 

[jlinder]

Re: voltmeter shows 18 vdc when running.

18 volts is way too high.

First thing I would do is get a voltmeter and check the voltage at the battery with a voltmeter. Don't trust the voltmeter on the dash. That will tell you if the problem is real or you have a bad voltmeter. (I have found meters for $10 at ACE hardware)

If it is actually 18 volts it will be cooking the battery and you need to fix it.

Not sure what your motor has in the way of regulators - I am sure there are a lot of people on this board who do know. But if you have an alternator with a built in regulator and need to replace it make sure it is a marine alternator. They are sealed to prevent sparks that can ignite gas fumes. Very important.

 

[flargin]

Re: voltmeter shows 18 vdc when running.

^^^ right answer.

If you go to the I/O forum, there is a sticky called "Adults Only" which has instructions to test and validate.

if you follow through with those test and don't have an answer post your findings in the I/O section and you will find the right answer.

Make sure you include the make and model, and possibly the serial number... it will be the first question people ask... and they know what they are talking about.

Good luck!