Borderline red

[steplift20]

My gps and fish finder doesn’t have a volt meter built in but I do have a volt meter gauge. The only way I can check it is to put a multimeter to it and monitor it as I’m running . Plus I think I told you that I have gas leaking from the front where the carbs are when I turn off 5he engine. I also have to check that too.

[steplift20]

Just got back from checking out my engine
This is what I found
Volts go up to 15 volts plus but not in the red zone.
The gas only leaks out when my engine is tilted up a little. But does not leak when it’s level.
So ? Is it ok? In think it’s good but the volts have me concerned. The gas leak, as long as it’s in the level position I’m ok. Any reply’s will be appreciated. Thanks guys .

[phatdaddy]

What was voltage at battery when u checked with multimeter? Also what is battery voltage with motor off?

[oteps]

Yep. Dont trust a gauge. Check it out with multi meter. And check without any accessories on and then with all on and lights too.

[steplift20]

At the battery before starting engine. 12.5 after starting and raving her up the volts climbed to 15.4. On my multimeter Same as the gauge

[Pipe_Dream]

Originally Posted by steplift20

At the battery before starting engine. 12.5 after starting and raving her up the volts climbed to 15.4. On my multimeter Same as the gauge

Sounds normal.

[steplift20]

Phatdaddy, 12.5 volts then when the rpm’s go up it increases to 15.4 volts. That’s normal?

[phatdaddy]

Agree with Pipe, seems ok. Now that you ve confirmed your dash gauge,keep an eye on it.

Asking this because i don t know, is there a stand alone voltage regulator on that motor? I never really understood the voodoo magic of the whole stator switch boxes electronics of that motor

[steplift20]

From what I understand is the the voltage regulator keeps the voltage at a certain level thats good enough to charge the battery but not high to cook the battery
But from what Im seeing and hearing ,15.4 volts is normal I called wagners marina and talked to a mechanic and he said its good. If the voltage regulator was bad it would just go to red. I dont know. maybe I should not look at the gauge. But I like everything to work right .

[spareparts]

two types of charging systems on old style Mercs, one had a rectifier, one has a regulator. They are pretty basic, the rectifier is used on the low amp type, its basically runs wide open, it doesn't produce enough amperage to screw anything up, but makes a lot of voltage and output is directly related to rpm. The regulator type is similar, but operates in an on/off type situation, you'll see high charging rates, then no charging till the voltage gets in the 12 volt range, then high charging. So to answer your question, sounds like its operating normal. My johnrude does the same thing, it will scare you when you're offshore and look down to notice the voltage around 12 volts idling, you rev it up and it will come up.